Basic Details
Word: Tentative
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Not certain; planned as a trial or experiment, likely to change.
Synonyms: Hesitant, uncertain, provisional
Antonyms: Certain, definite, confident
Idioms and Phrases
- On a tentative basis: Doing something as a trial or experiment. Example: "We will try out the new schedule on a tentative basis for a month."
- Tentative agreement: A preliminary agreement that may change. Example: "The two companies reached a tentative agreement before finalising the contract."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Maria made a tentative plan to meet her friends at the park but was unsure if she would feel well enough.
Example 2: The team presented a tentative schedule for the project, knowing it might need adjustments later.
Example 3: His tentative smile showed that he was not fully confident in the decision he was making.
Fun Fact
The word "tentative" comes from the Latin word "tentare," meaning "to try" or "to touch." This shows that something tentative is being tried out and is not final.
Famous Quote
"The greatest risk is to risk nothing at all." Leo Buscaglia
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "tentative" mean?
a) Certain and confident
b) Not certain or definite
c) Happily planned
d) Extremely sure
Answer: b) Not certain or definite
2. Which of these is a synonym of "tentative"?
a) Hesitant
b) Brave
c) Quick
d) Permanent
Answer: a) Hesitant
3. Which word is an antonym of "tentative"?
a) Provisional
b) Confident
c) Unsure
d) Doubtful
Answer: b) Confident
4. Which sentence uses "tentative" correctly?
a) She made a tentative decision and was very sure about it.
b) The tentative plans for the picnic might change if it rains.
c) They were tentative when they won the game and celebrated.
d) He was tentative about his homework and completed it quickly.
Answer: b) The tentative plans for the picnic might change if it rains.
5. What does "on a tentative basis" mean?
a) Doing something without any plan
b) Trying something to see how it works before deciding
c) Committing to something immediately
d) Rejecting an idea completely
Answer: b) Trying something to see how it works before deciding
