Tentative describes something that is not yet certain or fully decided, and may change later. It can also describe actions that are done carefully or hesitantly.
From Medieval Latin *tentativus* 'trying, testing', from Latin *tentare* or *temptare* 'to try, to test'. The idea is that something tentative is still in the testing stage.
A 'tentative plan' is literally a 'test plan'—you’re trying it out, not locking it in. When someone gives a tentative smile, they’re emotionally testing the waters to see if it’s safe.
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