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View synonyms for

tentative

[ ten-tuh-tiv ]

adjective

  1. of the nature of or made or done as a trial, experiment, or attempt; experimental:

    a tentative report on her findings.

  2. unsure; uncertain; not definite or positive; hesitant:

    a tentative smile on his face.



tentative

/ ˈɛԳəɪ /

adjective

  1. provisional or experimental; conjectural
  2. hesitant, uncertain, or cautious
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈٱԳٲپ, adverb
  • ˈٱԳٲپԱ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ٱ·ٲ·پ· adverb
  • ٱ·ٲ·پ·Ա noun
  • ԴDz·ٱ·ٲ·پ adjective
  • non·ٱ·ٲ·پ·Ա noun
  • ·ٱ·ٲ·پ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tentative1

First recorded in 1580–90; from Medieval Latin ٱԳīܲ, equivalent to Latin ٱԳ(ܲ) (past participle of ٱԳ, variant of ٱ𳾱 “to test”; tempt ) + -īܲ adjective suffix ( -ive )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tentative1

C16: from Medieval Latin ٱԳīܲ, from Latin ٱԳ to test
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

This is no longer the tentative Torres of old, desperate to impress; this is a striker who is happy to take on all the responsibility.

From

Scientists have found new but tentative evidence that a faraway world orbiting another star may be home to life.

From

Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of breaking the terms of a separate, tentative deal to pause strikes on energy infrastructure.

From

The first tentative steps were made this week.

From

Court filings entered as part of the lawsuit show the matter reached a tentative settlement last year, though the agreement is still awaiting approval by the L.A.

From

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