tentative remark

[ˈtɛntətɪv rɪˈmɑrk]
noun phrasepl: tentative remarks
observação/comentário tentativo
1. A statement or comment made hesitantly or without certainty; a remark offered as a possible idea rather than a definitive assertion
The manager made a tentative remark about possibly restructuring the department next quarter.
O gerente fez um comentário tentativo sobre possível reestruturação do departamento no próximo trimestre.
2. A cautious or uncertain observation offered for consideration or feedback
Her tentative remark about the project's timeline was met with understanding nods from the team.
Seu comentário tentativo sobre o cronograma do projeto foi recebido com acenos de compreensão da equipe.
In both Brazilian and American business contexts, tentative remarks are often used diplomatically to introduce ideas without committing to them, allowing for discussion and feedback before formal proposals. This is particularly valued in collaborative work environments and meetings where consensus-building is important.
NYC Slang
a soft observation / a trial balloon comment
Synonyms / Sinônimos
hesitant remarkuncertain commentprovisional observationcautious statementexploratory comment
Antonyms / Antônimos
definitive statementassertive remarkconfident assertioncategorical statement

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
observação tentativa / comentário tentativo
Most common usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
observação meio assim / comentário meio tímido
More colloquial, informal phrasing
São Paulo
observação preliminar / comentário exploratório
More formal, business-oriented usage
Portugal
observação provisória / comentário cauteloso
Slightly different phrasing preferences, similar meaning

Related Words

tentativehesitationuncertaintyproposalsuggestionhypothesis

Related Idioms & Phrases

floating an idea
throwing something out there
putting a toe in the water
feeling out the situation
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