tentative foundation
[ˈtɛntətɪv faʊnˈdeɪʃən]
nounpl: tentative foundations
base provisória; fundação preliminar
1. A preliminary or temporary basis for something that may be subject to change or further development; an initial groundwork that is not yet finalized or confirmed
The research team established a tentative foundation for their hypothesis before conducting further experiments.
A equipe de pesquisa estabeleceu uma base provisória para sua hipótese antes de conduzir experimentos adicionais.
2. In construction or engineering, a foundation that is temporary or preliminary in nature, subject to modifications
The contractors laid a tentative foundation until the soil analysis was complete.
Os contratantes estabeleceram uma fundação preliminar até que a análise do solo fosse concluída.
3. A preliminary agreement or understanding that may change as more information becomes available
On a tentative foundation, the two companies began negotiations for the merger.
Em uma base provisória, as duas empresas iniciaram negociações para a fusão.
This term is commonly used in academic, business, and construction contexts in both Brazil and the USA. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'base provisória' is frequently used in technical and professional environments, while 'fundação preliminar' appears more in formal written communication. The concept reflects the modern emphasis on iterative development and flexible planning in research and business practices.
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