Tentative means not fully certain and open to changes. In science, a hypothesis is termed tentative because it needs to be tested and verified. It reflects an openness to new ideas and continuous learning.
Tentative means something that is not fully certain or fixed and is adaptable to change. In science, a hypothesis is referred to as tentative because it is a preliminary explanation based on observations that needs to be tested and verified through further experimentation and evidence gathering.
Hypotheses are essential in scientific research as they guide the direction of inquiry and experimentation. As described by Jeanne Fahnestock and Marie Secor, admitting uncertainty and the tentative nature of conclusions illustrates openness to new ideas and continuous learning. For example, a hypothesis might state, "The researchers explore the possibility of increased plant growth with higher carbon dioxide levels in the air." This makes it clear that while the idea is probative, it remains subject to validation.