tentative measures

[ˈtɛntətɪv ˈmɛʒərz]
noun phrase
medidas provisórias
1. Actions or steps taken as a preliminary or experimental approach, subject to change or confirmation
The government implemented tentative measures to control inflation before making permanent policy changes.
O governo implementou medidas provisórias para controlar a inflação antes de fazer mudanças permanentes na política.
2. Uncertain or hesitant steps taken to address a problem without full commitment
The company took only tentative measures to reduce costs, waiting to see market conditions.
A empresa tomou apenas medidas provisórias para reduzir custos, aguardando para ver as condições do mercado.
3. Trial or exploratory actions meant to test effectiveness before full implementation
The hospital introduced tentative measures to improve patient care protocols.
O hospital introduziu medidas provisórias para melhorar os protocolos de atendimento ao paciente.
In both Brazilian and American business contexts, 'tentative measures' reflects a cautious, pragmatic approach common in corporate environments and government policy-making. In Brazil, this phrase is frequently used in legal and administrative contexts. In the USA, it's commonly heard in corporate meetings and policy discussions where decision-makers prefer reversible actions before major commitments.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
preliminary measuresprovisional measuresinterim measurestrial measuresexperimental stepstemporary actions
Antonyms / Antônimos
permanent measuresdefinitive measuresconclusive actionsfinal decisions

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
medidas provisórias
Most common translation; widely understood and used in formal and informal contexts
General Brazilian
medidas preliminares
Alternative formal translation emphasizing the preliminary nature
Portugal
medidas provisórias
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; commonly used in European Portuguese
Portugal
medidas experimentais
Alternative emphasizing the experimental aspect, more common in academic contexts

Related Words

interim solutionpilot programprovisional agreementexploratory approachstop-gap measuretrial period

Related Idioms & Phrases

a shot in the dark
testing the waters
playing it by ear
taking it one step at a time
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