Hesitate: meaning, definitions and examples
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hesitate
[ ˈhɛzɪˌteɪt ]
indecision
To pause before deciding or acting, often out of uncertainty or reluctance.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She hesitated before answering the question.
- Don't hesitate to call me if you need help.
- If you hesitate now, you may miss your chance.
speech
To speak with pauses or interruptions, usually due to uncertainty or nervousness.
Synonyms
falter, mumble, stammer, stutter
Examples of usage
- She hesitated while giving her speech.
- The politician hesitated before making his statement.
action
To hold back or be slow in acting, often due to fear or doubt.
Synonyms
dither, equivocate, procrastinate, vacillate
Examples of usage
- He hesitated to jump into the cold water.
- Don't hesitate to take the necessary steps to achieve your goals.
Translations
Translations of the word "hesitate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 hesitar
🇮🇳 हिचकिचाना
🇩🇪 zögern
🇮🇩 ragu-ragu
🇺🇦 вагатися
🇵🇱 wahać się
🇯🇵 ためらう
🇫🇷 hésiter
🇪🇸 dudar
🇹🇷 tereddüt etmek
🇰🇷 망설이다
🇸🇦 تردد
🇨🇿 váhat
🇸🇰 váhať
🇨🇳 犹豫
🇸🇮 oklevati
🇮🇸 hika
🇰🇿 күдіктену
🇬🇪 ერყევა
🇦🇿 tərəddüd etmək
🇲🇽 dudar
Word origin
The word 'hesitate' originated from the Latin word 'haesitare', which means 'to stick fast or cling to'. Over time, it evolved to its current meaning of indecision or reluctance to act. The concept of hesitation has been explored in various literary works, highlighting its significance in human behavior and decision-making processes.