tentatively
|ten-ta-tive-ly|
B2
/ˈtɛn.tə.tɪv.li/
(tentative)
uncertain or provisional
Etymology
Etymology Information
'tentatively' originates from the Latin word 'tentare,' meaning 'to try' or 'to attempt.'
Historical Evolution
'tentare' evolved into the Medieval Latin 'tentativus,' which then became the French 'tentatif,' eventually leading to the modern English 'tentative.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to try or attempt,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'done without confidence.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a way that lacks confidence or certainty; hesitantly.
She tentatively reached out to touch the mysterious object.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39