Hesitant: meaning, definitions and examples

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hesitant

 

[ ˈhɛzɪtənt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

feeling or showing hesitation

Hesitant is an adjective used to describe someone who is unsure or reluctant to do something. It suggests a lack of confidence or certainty in making a decision or taking action.

Synonyms

doubtful, reluctant, uncertain, wavering

Examples of usage

  • She was hesitant to speak up during the meeting.
  • He was hesitant about accepting the job offer.
Context #2 | Adjective

causing hesitation

Hesitant can also be used to describe something that creates doubt or uncertainty in decision-making.

Synonyms

ambiguous, dubious, equivocal, unclear

Examples of usage

  • The hesitant tone of her voice made me question her sincerity.
  • The hesitant response from the audience indicated their lack of enthusiasm.

Translations

Translations of the word "hesitant" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hesitante

🇮🇳 हिचकिचाहट

🇩🇪 zögernd

🇮🇩 ragu-ragu

🇺🇦 вагаючийся

🇵🇱 wahający się

🇯🇵 ためらう

🇫🇷 hésitant

🇪🇸 vacilante

🇹🇷 tereddütlü

🇰🇷 주저하는

🇸🇦 متردد

🇨🇿 váhající

🇸🇰 váhavý

🇨🇳 犹豫的

🇸🇮 neodločen

🇮🇸 hikandi

🇰🇿 үмітсіз

🇬🇪 მერყევი

🇦🇿 tərəddüdlü

🇲🇽 vacilante

Etymology

The word 'hesitant' originated from the Latin word 'haesitans', which means 'halting' or 'hesitating'. Over time, it evolved into the Middle French word 'hesitant', before being adopted into the English language. The concept of hesitation has been a part of human behavior since ancient times, reflecting the common experience of uncertainty and indecision.

See also: hesitancy, hesitating, hesitation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,191, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.