Word
tentative
Phoneticsten·ta·tive, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɛnətɪv/
UK/tˈɛntətˌɪv/
Definitions
01uncertain or provisional
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not certain or fixed; something that might change later.
adj. provisional or subject to future revision; not definite or final.
“We have a tentative plan to meet on Friday, but I need to check my work schedule first.”
“The two companies reached a tentative agreement, though several minor clauses regarding intellectual property remain subject to further negotiation.”
Usage
Often used with nouns like 'agreement', 'plan', 'schedule', or 'conclusion'.
Synonyms
02hesitant or shy
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. done in a way that shows you are not confident or sure.
adj. indicating a lack of confidence or a sense of hesitation; cautious and not fully committed.
“The child took a few tentative steps toward the puppy before reaching out to pet it.”
“She offered a tentative smile, clearly unsure whether her apology would be accepted by the group.”
Usage
Frequently describes physical movements or social gestures like smiles or suggestions.
03an event schedule
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Dialect
n. a plan or schedule for a program or event.
n. a schedule, itinerary, or programme for an event.
“The organiser sent out the tentative for the three-day conference last night.”
“Please review the tentative for the wedding weekend and let us know if any timings conflict with your travel arrangements.”
Teaching tip
This noun sense is specific to Malaysian English; in other varieties, 'tentative' is almost exclusively an adjective.
Real-World Examples
“Zelenskyy said that “tentative dates have been set” for the envoys’ first visit to the Ukrainian capital.” “Both sides have blamed last-minute changes for torpedoing the tentative deal, with Carney saying the US "asked too much" and "offered too little".” Etymology
From Medieval Latin tentātīvus (“trying, testing”), from tentō, past participle tentātus (“to try, test”); see tent, tempt.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/tentative