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Definition of tentativeness

tentativeness

/ˈtɛn.tə.tɪv.nəs/
ten · ta · tive · ness
Adverb:tentatively
•
Adjective:tentative
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tentativeness Lexical Profile

tentativeness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state or quality of being hesitant, cautious, or lacking in confidence and certainty.

Example

"The young pianist's initial tentativeness vanished once she played the opening chords."

2

The quality of being provisional, experimental, or subject to further change and confirmation.

Example

"Given the tentativeness of the early research findings, the scientists called for additional clinical trials."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for tentativeness

• Nearby Words

tentacled snake
tentative
tentatively
tentativeness
tenth
tenthly
tenting

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the adjective 'tentative' plus the suffix '-ness'; 'tentative' comes from Medieval Latin 'tentativus' (trying, testing), derived from Latin 'tentare' (to feel, try, or test).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tentativeness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tentativeness
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