Meaning
Tentative means not fully decided, fixed, or certain — something that is subject to change or done as a trial. It can also describe actions that are hesitant or uncertain.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Adjective
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Common patterns:
- tentative plan/decision/schedule → not final or confirmed
- tentative smile/move → showing hesitation or lack of confidence
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Often used in business, science, or planning contexts to express temporary or provisional ideas.
Common Phrases
- tentative plan
- tentative schedule
- tentative agreement
- tentative steps
- tentative conclusion
Collocations
- make a tentative plan
- give a tentative answer
- reach a tentative agreement
- take a tentative step
- tentative date/time
Examples
- We made a tentative plan to meet next Friday.
- The company reached a tentative agreement with the labor union.
- She gave a tentative smile, unsure of how to respond.
- The results are tentative and need further testing.
- Our tentative schedule may change depending on the client’s feedback.
- He took a tentative step into the dark room.
- The scientists formed a tentative hypothesis based on limited data.
- The project’s tentative deadline is next month.
- His voice was tentative, as if afraid to speak too loudly.
- Let’s set a tentative date for the meeting and adjust later if needed.
Synonyms or Related
- provisional
- uncertain
- hesitant
- temporary
- experimental
- preliminary
Antonym
- definite
- certain
- final
- confident
- confirmed