Tentativeness

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /tɛntətɪvnəs/

Definitions of tentativeness

noun the state or quality of being hesitant or uncertain

Example Sentences

A1 She approached the new task with tentativeness, unsure of what to do.

A2 The student's tentativeness in answering questions showed a lack of confidence.

B1 The team's tentativeness in making decisions led to delays in project completion.

B2 The actor's tentativeness in delivering lines made the audience uneasy.

C1 The CEO's tentativeness in announcing the company's new strategy raised concerns among investors.

C2 Despite her tentativeness, she eventually made a bold decision that paid off in the end.

Examples of tentativeness in a Sentence

formal The scientist approached the new theory with tentativeness, carefully considering all possible outcomes before drawing any conclusions.

informal She showed a bit of tentativeness when trying out the new dance move, but eventually got the hang of it.

slang His tentativeness in asking her out on a date was endearing, showing his nervousness and shyness.

figurative The artist painted with a tentativeness that added a sense of mystery and intrigue to the final piece.

Grammatical Forms of tentativeness

past tense

tentativenessed

plural

tentativenesses

comparative

more tentative

superlative

most tentative

present tense

tentativenesses

future tense

will tentativeness

perfect tense

have tentativenessed

continuous tense

is tentativenessing

singular

tentativeness

positive degree

tentativeness

infinitive

to tentativeness

gerund

tentativenessing

participle

tentativenessed

Origin and Evolution of tentativeness

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'tentativeness' originates from the Latin word 'tentativus', which means to try or test.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe the act of testing or trying something, 'tentativeness' has evolved to also signify a hesitant or cautious approach in modern English.