Hesitate: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this when someone is unsure or indecisive about making a decision or taking an action. It implies a moment of uncertainty.

• She hesitated before answering his question.
• He hesitated for a second, unsure if he should go inside.

This is suitable for short, temporary stops in activity or speech, often to think, take a breath, or consider something. It is usually neutral and can be voluntary.

• She paused to think about what she wanted to say next.
• He paused the movie to answer the phone.

This word is appropriate when there is a postponement or slowing down of a process or event. It often implies a deliberate action to make something happen later than planned.

• The train was delayed due to bad weather.
• They decided to delay the meeting until next week.

Use 'waver' when describing indecision or instability in action or opinion. It suggests someone is changing their mind or is unable to decide.

• She wavered between accepting the job offer and staying at her current job.
• His voice wavered with uncertainty as he spoke.

Use 'flounder' to describe a situation where someone is struggling to move or make progress, often in a confused or ineffective way. It has a negative connotation.

• He floundered in his attempt to answer the complicated question.
• She floundered in the water, unable to swim.

Used when someone is uncertain or shows reluctance to make a decision or speak. It can be neutral to slightly negative based on the situation.

• She hesitated before answering the difficult question.
• He hesitated to take the job offer because it required relocating.

Used when someone repeats sounds or syllables unintentionally while trying to speak, often due to nervousness or a speech impediment. Can convey a sense of embarrassment or awkwardness.

• During the interview, he began to stammer, which made him even more nervous.
• She stammered out an excuse, clearly caught off guard.

Used when someone is struggling to remain steady or to move forward confidently, often due to a loss of strength or motivation. Can also imply a momentary failure in an ongoing effort.

• His voice began to falter as he delivered the sad news.
• The company's expansion plans faltered during the economic downturn.

Used when someone speaks in a low, unclear way, making it hard to understand them. Usually has a negative connotation, implying a lack of clarity or confidence.

• He mumbled his apology, making it hard for anyone to hear.
• She tends to mumble when she's nervous.

Similar to stammer, used when someone repeatedly struggles to get words out, often due to a chronic speech disorder. It can also be caused by nervousness or stress.

• He has struggled with a stutter since childhood.
• She tends to stutter when speaking in front of large crowds.

Use when someone is briefly pausing or is unsure about making a decision.

• She hesitated before answering the question
• Don’t hesitate to call if you need help

Use when someone is indecisive and unable to make a decision quickly, often in a minor or trivial situation. It can have a slightly negative connotation.

• Stop dithering and make up your mind
• He dinkered for too long and missed the opportunity

Use when someone is wavering between different opinions or actions. It suggests difficulty in making a decision and can have a slightly negative connotation.

• She vacillated between going to law school or medical school
• He vacillates too much, making it hard to rely on his decisions

Use when someone is delaying or postponing something that should be done, often habitually. This has a negative connotation.

• He procrastinated on his homework until the last minute
• Don't procrastinate on your responsibilities

Use when someone is speaking ambiguously or is avoiding giving a clear or direct answer. This often suggests a deliberate attempt to deceive or mislead.

• The politician equivocated when asked about the scandal
• She tends to equivocate instead of giving a straight answer