Did you know? A " Tentative " Explanation Tentative is from the Latin tentare (“to attempt”), and its original meaning was “attempted, provisional, experimental.”

TENTATIVE definition: 1. (of a plan or idea) not certain or agreed, or (of a suggestion or action) said or done in a…. Learn more.

Definition of tentative adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

TENTATIVE definition: of the nature of or made or done as a trial, experiment, or attempt; experimental. See examples of tentative used in a sentence.

Choose the adjective tentative to describe something you are unsure or hesitant about. On Monday, you can make tentative plans for the weekend, but it's too early to commit to one party or another. …

Dec 10, 2025 · tentative (comparative more tentative, superlative most tentative) Of or pertaining to a trial or trials; essaying; experimental. He gave a tentative answer, unsure of the final outcome. We …

Factsheet What does the word tentative mean? There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the word tentative. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

1. Not fully worked out, concluded, or agreed on; provisional: tentative plans. 2. Indicating a lack of confidence or certainty; hesitant: tentative steps toward the podium.

tentative meaning, definition, what is tentative: not definite or certain, because you may...: Learn more.

If someone is tentative, they are cautious and not very confident because they are uncertain or afraid. My first attempts at complaining were rather tentative. She did not return his tentative smile.