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vocabulary
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tentative
in a sentence
grouped by contextual meaning

tentative as in:  said it tentatively

The puppy approached us tentatively until it knew we wouldn't harm it.
tentatively = in a careful way (indicating a lack of confidence)
Show 3 more with this contextual meaning
  • She took a tentative step to see if her injured ankle would support her weight.
    tentative = careful
  • The siren song of the void puts you on edge; it makes your movements tentative, clumsy, herkyjerky.  (source)
    tentative = careful or unsure
  • "I'm —I'm Colin Creevey," he said breathlessly, taking a tentative step forward.  (source)
    tentative = in an unsure way (indicating a lack of confidence)
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Show 10 more with 3 word variations
  • Tentatively he began to ride in daylight.  (source)
    Tentatively = done in a careful way (indicating a lack of confidence in exactly what will happen)
  • He and I have been exchanging looks for the past year as Susan and Caleb flirt in the tentative way known only to the Abnegation.  (source)
    tentative = hesitant or timid
  • With his hand holding my face toward his, Maxon lowered his lips to mine and gave me the faintest whisper of a kiss. Something about the tentativeness of it made me feel beautiful.  (source)
    tentativeness = gentleness (careful and unsure manner)
    standard suffix: The suffix "-ness" converts an adjective to a noun that means the quality of. This is the same pattern you see in words like darkness, kindness, and coolness.
  • I tentatively bite into one, and it's as good as our blackberries.  (source)
    tentatively = done in a careful way indicating a lack of confidence
  • Then the sounds of the forest returned: the first tentative croak of a tree frog, the buzz of one cicada, and then the full chorus.  (source)
    tentative = hesitant or timid
  • I lay down next to her, and Gramps tentatively sat down on the other side.  (source)
    tentatively = in a careful or unsure way
  • There was something about watching Almondine from the barn, thirty yards distant, something in her carriage, tentative and almost frail, that finally made Edgar understand how cruel he'd been.  (source)
    tentative = cautious
  • She walked tentatively down the steps, knowing that no words were required.  (source)
    tentatively = in a hesitant, unsure manner
  • Within a few more days, Dad seemed almost normal, except that he'd become tentative, even kind of shy.  (source)
    tentative = unsure (showing a lack of confidence)
  • He spoke carefully, almost tentatively, yet his treason had been so brazen.  (source)
    tentatively = in a hesitant, unsure manner
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tentative as in:  a tentative plan

My plans are still tentative.
tentative = subject to change (likely or possibly going to change)
Show 3 more with this contextual meaning
  • I have a tentative plan, but don't want to make any promises until I discuss it with some friends.
  • The tentative period was over; all our arrangements had been perfected.†  (source)
  • As my eyes began to adjust to the darkness, I let out a tentative sigh of relief.  (source)
    tentative = subject to change (possibly going to change)
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Show 10 more with 3 word variations
  • He figures the truth is the best way to begin even a tentative friendship.  (source)
    tentative = careful (indicating a lack of confidence)
  • I AM CONTENT WITH TENTATIVENESS FROM DAY TO DAY.'†  (source)
    standard suffix: The suffix "-ness" converts an adjective to a noun that means the quality of. This is the same pattern you see in words like darkness, kindness, and coolness.
  • the race-meeting undoubtedly complicated the plans we had made tentatively beforehand.  (source)
    tentatively = with an expectation that there might be changes
  • It was April and everything alive was tentative.  (source)
    tentative = subject to change (likely or possibly going to change)
  • Miles didn't notice the tentativeness of her answer.†  (source)
  • It was the pre-evening hour during an international conference, a thousand tentative plans being made, rank and courtesan separated by glances of approval and rebuke, odd groupings everywhere.  (source)
    tentative = subject to change (possibly going to change)
  • An air of tentativeness about him.†  (source)
  • Tentative plans for the next issue were outlined, and decisions about the content of the magazine were made for several months in advance.  (source)
  • All the tentativeness, doubt, and inauthenticity that plagued him slithered away without a trace, a sound.†  (source)
  • A plan forms in my head, tentative, outlandish, and mad enough that it just might work.  (source)
    tentative = subject to change (likely or possibly going to change)
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