tentatively.

1. In a hesitant or uncertain manner.

2. On a provisional basis, subject to confirmation or change.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• ask tentatively
• reach tentatively
• speak tentatively

On the page

She tentatively asked whether the decision could be appealed.

He reached tentatively toward the unfamiliar instrument.

The newcomer spoke tentatively at first, then found her confidence.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic. Forms: Invariable adverb; no inflections. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings.