Hesitating: meaning, definitions and examples

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hesitating

 

[ ˈhɛzɪˌteɪtɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

indecision

To hesitate means to pause before deciding or acting, often because of uncertainty or indecision. It can also involve a reluctance to proceed or a lack of confidence in one's choices.

Synonyms

dither, pause, vacillate, waver

Examples of usage

  • She hesitated before accepting the job offer.
  • I could see him hesitating before making a decision.
  • Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Context #2 | Verb

speech

In speech, to hesitate is to falter or pause in the delivery of words, often due to nervousness, lack of preparation, or emotional intensity.

Synonyms

falter, hesitate, stammer, stutter

Examples of usage

  • She hesitated while giving her speech.
  • The actor hesitated for a moment before delivering his lines.

Translations

Translations of the word "hesitating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hesitando

🇮🇳 हिचकिचाना

🇩🇪 zögernd

🇮🇩 ragu-ragu

🇺🇦 вагаючись

🇵🇱 wahając się

🇯🇵 ためらう

🇫🇷 hésitant

🇪🇸 vacilando

🇹🇷 tereddüt eden

🇰🇷 주저하는

🇸🇦 متردد

🇨🇿 váhající

🇸🇰 váhajúci

🇨🇳 犹豫

🇸🇮 obotavljiv

🇮🇸 hikandi

🇰🇿 күмәндану

🇬🇪 ეჭვიანი

🇦🇿 tərəddüd edən

🇲🇽 vacilando

Etymology

The word 'hesitate' has its origins in the Latin word 'haesitare', meaning 'to stick fast or cling'. Over time, it evolved into the Middle English 'hesitat', which eventually became 'hesitate' in modern English. The concept of hesitating has been a part of human behavior for centuries, reflecting our innate tendency to pause and deliberate before making decisions.

See also: hesitancy, hesitant, hesitation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,018, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.