adj.
Pronunciation: ' ten-t ə -tiv
Function: adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin tentativus, from Latin tentatus, past participle of tentare, temptare to feel, try
Date: 1626
1 : not fully worked out or developed < tentative plans>
2 : HESITANT , UNCERTAIN <a tentative smile>
– tentative noun
– ten · ta · tive · ly adverb
– ten · ta · tive · ness noun