1. Each step he took was slightly tentative.
    他每走一步都有些迟疑不决。

1. tentative的解释

1. 试验性的：抑且,由于英美法传统在哲学上信奉的是「理性经验主义」(rational empiricism),认为人类的一切智识都出自经验(experience),而所谓的「真理」(truth),乃是试验性的(tentative)、变动不定的,而且经常在验证之中的(注三四).

2. 暂时的：有意思的是,大多数权威专家的知识是通过科学研究而来的,甚至由科学而来的知识只是暂时的(tentative)真理,有待于通过更多的研究进一步证实或辩驳. 因此,对于大多数人而言,求知的第二种方法是来自某一领域的专家或来自书本.

3. 试验：在职业选择过程中,有三个特别的时期或阶段,分别是幻想(fantasy)、试验(tentative)及实际(realistic) (Ginzber等人,1951,引自Vernon G. Zunker,1998,生涯发展的理论与实务P.35). 依据他们的研究,试验时期(青少年初期 十一至十七岁)分为四个阶段,

4. 尝试性的：首先,它是尝试性的(tentative)和探索性的(exploratory),包含着不断修正且多层次的复合信息. 草图绘制过程是非正式的,但又应该是准确而刻意的,因为草图的目标直指现实世界,而且这样的准确性在设计的发展过程中将会越来越明显--到最后,

1. (协议、计划、安排)暂行的，临时的，试探性的
    Tentative agreements, plans, or arrangements are not definite or certain, but have been made as a first step.

    e.g. Political leaders have reached a tentative agreement to hold a preparatory conference next month...
           政治领导人已就下个月举行预备会议达成初步协定。
    e.g. Such theories are still very tentative.
           这种理论仍然是探索性的。

2. 踌躇不决的;犹豫的
    If someone is tentative, they are cautious and not very confident because they are uncertain or afraid.

    e.g. My first attempts at complaining were rather tentative...
           我刚开始投诉时很犹豫不决。
    e.g. She did not return his tentative smile.
           她并没有对他怯生生的微笑作出回应。

1. under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon

    e.g. probationary employees
           a provisional government
           just a tentative schedule

    Synonym: probationaryprovisionalprovisionary

2. unsettled in mind or opinion

    e.g. drew a few tentative conclusions

    Synonym: doubtful