tentative
provisional / hesitant / uncertain
Adjective
This term describes a state of provisionality, where a decision or plan is held open to revision. It carries a sense of caution, suggesting that the current status is a placeholder until more information is available or a final agreement is reached. When applied to physical movement or behavior, it conveys a lack of conviction or a fear of failure. It evokes the image of someone testing the waters or stepping carefully to avoid a mistake, emphasizing hesitation over decisiveness.
Meanings
Adjective
[~ something]
Not certain or fixed; subject to change or confirmation.
"We have a tentative agreement on the price, but the contract is not yet signed."
Adjective
[~ behavior]
Done without confidence; hesitant or uncertain.
"She took a few tentative steps toward the edge of the cliff."