tentative C2+ Topic:Mind & Cognition US /ˈtɛntətɪv/ See IPA manual Freq #30908 Meanings 1 adj unsettled in mind or opinion Drew a few tentative conclusions. 2 adj Uncertain; subject to future change. He gave a tentative answer, unsure of the final outcome. 3 adj Restrained; polite; feeling one's way, not using full force. Her tentative steps showed her nervousness as she entered the room. Thesaurus Synonyms 1 adj · unsettled in mind or opinion doubtful ↔ Opposites certainconclusivedefinitive Word family Forms tentatively Derived forms tentativelytentativeness Etymology From Medieval Latin tentātīvus (“trying, testing”), from tentō, past participle tentātus (“to try, test”); see tent, tempt. Topics Mind & Cognition External links Cambridge Dictionary Wiktionary Google Images # tentative **Type:** Word **Level:** C2+ **Part of speech:** adj **IPA (US):** /ˈtɛntətɪv/ **Frequency rank:** 30908 ## Meanings 1. unsettled in mind or opinion 2. Uncertain; subject to future change. 3. Restrained; polite; feeling one's way, not using full force. ## Examples - Drew a few tentative conclusions. - He gave a tentative answer, unsure of the final outcome. - Her tentative steps showed her nervousness as she entered the room. ## Synonyms - doubtful ## Antonyms - certain - conclusive - definitive ## Derived Forms - tentatively - tentativeness ## Etymology From Medieval Latin tentātīvus (“trying, testing”), from tentō, past participle tentātus (“to try, test”); see tent, tempt. ## Topics - Mind & Cognition markdown