- An adverb meaning provisionally, subject to change, uncertainly, or hesitantly.
- Used to indicate that a plan, agreement, decision, or statement is not yet final or confirmed.
Explanation
Origin
- Derived from the adjective tentative, which comes from the Latin tentare meaning to feel, try, test. It implies something is being tried out or proposed but isn't definite.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Maybe / Possibly
- Let's aim for Tuesday, but TBC. (To Be Confirmed)
- Soft booked for Tuesday.
- Plan is Tuesday-ish.
More Formal:
- Provisionally
- Conditionally
- The proposed date is...
- Subject to final verification/approval.
Situational Appropriateness
- More common in formal or semi-formal contexts, especially involving planning, scheduling, or negotiations (work, appointments, logistics).
- Can also be used informally, e.g., Wanna hang out Friday? Tentatively yes, depends on my workload.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners might overlook the crucial subject to change aspect and treat the information as definite. Emphasize that 'tentatively' means 'not final'.
Examples
- We've tentatively scheduled the meeting for 3 PM on Friday.
- She tentatively agreed to join the committee.
- He tentatively suggested a compromise. (implies hesitation)
Dialogue
Alex: Have we decided on the venue for the company picnic?
Brenda: We've tentatively booked Lakeside Park, but we're waiting for final permit approval. Should know by tomorrow.
Alex: Okay, great. Lakeside Park would be nice. Let me know.
Social Media Examples
- Event Update: Save the date! We're tentatively planning our annual meetup for Saturday, October 26th. Venue & exact time TBC!
- Tweet: Tentatively exploring a new project idea... feeling excited but also cautious! #research #planning
Response Patterns
- Okay, sounds good for now.
- Understood. Please keep me updated.
- Let me know once it's confirmed.
- What depends on it being confirmed?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing Tentatively:
- Ask about confirmation: When do you expect to have confirmation?, What needs to happen for it to be definite?.
- Make provisional plans: Okay, I'll pencil that in.
Action:
- Participants understand the arrangement is not yet firm.
- They await final confirmation or notification of changes.
Conversation Starter
- No. Typically used to modify a statement about plans, agreements, or suggestions.
Intonation
- Often spoken with slight hesitation or a tone indicating reservation or uncertainty.
- Stress usually falls on the first syllable: TEN-ta-tive-ly.
Generation Differences
- Used across generations, particularly in professional, academic, or organizational settings.
Regional Variations
- Standard across English-speaking regions.