Langimage
English

tentatively-held

|ten-ta-tive-ly-held|

B2

/ˈtɛntətɪvli hɛld/

(tentative)

uncertain or provisional

Base FormAdverb
tentativetentatively
Etymology
Etymology Information

'tentative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'tentativus,' where 'tentare' meant 'to try or attempt.'

Historical Evolution

'tentativus' transformed into the French word 'tentatif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'tentative' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to try or attempt,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not final or certain.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

held or arranged in a way that is not final or certain.

The meeting is tentatively-held for next Monday.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/04/30 02:36