TENTATIVELY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does tentatively mean? 

• TENTATIVELY (adverb)
  The adverb TENTATIVELY has 1 sense:

1. in a tentative manner

  Familiarity information: TENTATIVELY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• TENTATIVELY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a tentative manner

Context example:

we agreed tentatively on a dinner date

Pertainym:

tentative (under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon)

 Context examples 

They half circled about each other, tentatively, snarling and bristling.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

"You put it all over him," she said tentatively, with a laugh.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Then she asked tentatively about the scar on his cheek.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

No hard surface collided with the tender little nose he thrust out tentatively before him.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

He betrayed his apprehension, and started tentatively to go.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

At such moments, when his dogs snarled, the whole circle would be agitated, the wolves coming to their feet and pressing tentatively forward, a chorus of snarls and eager yelps rising about him.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

Then, very gradually, part by part, a pale dangling individual stepped out of the wreck, pawing tentatively at the ground with a large uncertain dancing shoe.

(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)

She walked close to Gatsby, touching his coat with her hand. Jordan and Tom and I got into the front seat of Gatsby's car, Tom pushed the unfamiliar gears tentatively and we shot off into the oppressive heat leaving them out of sight behind.

(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)