What does tentatively mean?
Tentatively means in a provisional, cautious, or uncertain way. It is used when someone makes a suggestion, reaches an agreement, or describes a finding without presenting it as final or certain. In a meeting, for example, a committee may tentatively approve a proposal, meaning that approval is likely but can still be changed. In academic writing, a team may tentatively identify a cause or pattern, signaling that further evidence is expected. The word is especially useful where it expresses both progress and reservation: it allows a decision or conclusion to be provisionally recorded without overstating its certainty. Compared with a simple hedge such as “maybe,” tentatively often sounds more formal and structured. It is equally natural in British and American English and is common across professional, academic, legal, and diplomatic settings.
adverbIn a manner that is provisional, uncertain, or subject to revision. It often signals that a decision, agreement, plan, or opinion is not yet final.
- In a provisional or uncertain manner, with the possibility of later revision.
"The committee tentatively agreed to postpone the decision until the following week."
"She tentatively suggested moving the meeting to Friday."
"The researchers tentatively identified the compound as having anti-inflammatory properties."
Tentatively marks the useful middle ground between making a decision and refusing to make one: the answer is provisional, not final.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tentatively come from?
Tentatively was formed in English from the adjective tentative, which comes from Medieval Latin tentativus and ultimately Latin tentare, meaning “to try” or “to test.” The same Latin root underlies words such as attempt, tempt, and tenter. Tentatively therefore carries the sense of something being undertaken or proposed provisionally, as though it may still be tested, reconsidered, or revised.
Related word forms
How tentatively is actually used
Common in formal, professional, academic, and diplomatic contexts. It often conveys caution or hedging and may imply that stronger evidence or approval is still needed.
Easily confused with tentatively
Tentative is an adjective or noun describing something provisional, while tentatively is an adverb describing an action performed in a tentative manner.