Pronunciation

/ˈhes·ɪ·teɪt/

Definitions

• Verb: To pause or delay before doing something, typically because of uncertainty, fear, or reluctance. For example: “He hesitated before jumping off the diving board.”

  • I hesitate to make a decision without more information.
  • She hesitated momentarily before answering the difficult question.

Phrases

• “Hesitate to do something”: This phrase implies that someone is reluctant or unsure about taking an action. Example: “He hesitates to make a commitment until he knows all the details.”

• “Without hesitation”: This phrase describes acting quickly and decisively, with no delay or doubt. Example: “She stepped forward to help without hesitation.”

Example Sentences

• When asked if he would accept the job offer, he hesitated, considering the heavy workload.
• The actor hesitated before delivering his lines, struggling to remember them.

Synonyms

• Pause
• Waver
• Falter
• Vacillate
• Be indecisive
• Dither
• Stall
• Demur
• Halt
• Delay

Note: ‘Hesitate’ doesn’t have noun or other part-of-speech forms commonly used in this sense; it’s primarily a verb.