tentative
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.not certain or fixed; something that might change later.
adj.provisional or subject to future revision; not definite or final.
Simple“We have a tentative plan to meet on Friday, but I need to check my work schedule first.”
In context“The two companies reached a tentative agreement, though several minor clauses regarding intellectual property remain subject to further negotiation.”
UsageOften used with nouns like 'agreement', 'plan', 'schedule', or 'conclusion'.
Synonyms - 02 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.
Simple“The child took a few tentative steps toward the puppy before reaching out to pet it.”
In context“She offered a tentative smile, clearly unsure whether her apology would be accepted by the group.”
UsageFrequently describes physical movements or social gestures like smiles or suggestions.
- 03 C1 Advanced
n.a plan or schedule for a program or event.
n.a schedule, itinerary, or programme for an event.
Simple“The organiser sent out the tentative for the three-day conference last night.”
In context“Please review the tentative for the wedding weekend and let us know if any timings conflict with your travel arrangements.”
Teacher's tipThis noun sense is specific to Malaysian English; in other varieties, 'tentative' is almost exclusively an adjective.
“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".”
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.