tentative Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon
    provisional; probationary; provisionary.
    • probationary employees
    • a provisional government
    • just a tentative schedule
  2. adjective satellite unsettled in mind or opinion
    doubtful.
    • drew a few tentative conclusions

WordNet

Ten*ta"tive adjective
Etymology
L. tentare to try: cf. F. tentatif. See Tempt.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to a trial or trials; essaying; experimental. "A slow, tentative manner." Carlyle. -- Ten*ta"tive*ly, adv.
Ten*ta"tive noun
Etymology
Cf. F. tentative.
Definitions
  1. An essay; a trial; an experiment. Berkley.

Webster 1913