tentative

/ˈtɛntətɪv/
noun
  1. A person who is learning or trying something for the first time; a beginner or novice.
    • The class was full of tentatives who had never painted before.
    • The hiking group welcomed tentatives and experts alike.
    • As a tentative in the kitchen, he followed the recipe carefully.
adjective
  1. Not certain or fixed; provisional.
    • The scientist presented her tentative findings before the final review.
    • We made a tentative plan to meet for coffee next week.
    • The company announced a tentative agreement with the union.
  2. Hesitant or unsure; not confident.
    • His tentative steps on the ice showed he was nervous.
    • The new employee spoke in a tentative voice during the meeting.
    • She gave a tentative smile, not sure if the joke was appropriate.