hesitate

/ˈhɛzəˌteɪt/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
To pause or delay before doing or saying something because of uncertainty, nervousness, or reluctance.

Examples

  • Do not hesitate to ask for help.
  • She hesitated before opening the door.
  • Why did he hesitate when they offered him the job?
  • I hesitate to make a promise I may not keep.
  • Without hesitating, Maya stepped forward to volunteer.

Similar words

vacillate
delay
pause
dither
falter
waver

Meanings

Pause because of uncertainty

verb
everyday
neutral
To pause before acting or speaking because you are unsure, nervous, or unwilling.

Examples

  • She hesitated before opening the door.
  • Do not hesitate to ask for help.
  • Why did he hesitate when they offered him the job?
  • I hesitate to make a promise I may not keep.
  • Without hesitating, Maya stepped forward to volunteer.

Similar words

Etymology

From Latin haesitare, meaning to stick fast or remain uncertain, through French hésiter.

FAQ

What does hesitate mean?

To hesitate is to pause before acting or speaking because you are unsure, nervous, or reluctant.

How do you pronounce hesitate?

In General American English, hesitate is pronounced /ˈhɛzəˌteɪt/.

What are the forms of hesitate?

The past form is hesitated, and the -ing form is hesitating.

What does “do not hesitate to ask” mean?

It is a polite way to encourage someone to ask freely and without worry.

What is the difference between hesitate and refuse?

To hesitate is to pause because you are unsure, while to refuse is to say no.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...