Hesitation: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this when someone pauses before doing something, often because they feel unsure or nervous.

• She accepted the job offer without hesitation
• He showed hesitation before jumping into the pool

Ideal for describing someone who is unable to make a choice between two or more options.

• His indecision about the holiday destination annoyed everyone
• She suffered from indecision at the restaurant

Can be used in broader contexts to describe a lack of certainty about future events or outcomes.

• There is a lot of uncertainty about the future of the economy
• The uncertainty of the weather makes planning difficult

This is best for situations where someone feels uncertain about something's truth or someone's abilities.

• I have doubts about the accuracy of this information
• She never doubted his honesty

When you are unsure or uncertain about something and you wait before making a decision or taking action.

• She showed hesitation before answering the difficult question
• His hesitation to invest in the new project was understandable

When someone struggles to speak smoothly, often repeating or prolonging sounds or words due to nervousness or speech difficulties.

• He began stammering when asked to speak in front of the large audience
• Her stammering was more noticeable when she was anxious

When you momentarily stop an activity or speech, typically to think, rest, or take a break. This is neutral and often planned.

• She kept pausing to gather her thoughts during the speech
• The teacher paused for a moment to let the students take notes

When someone or something stops you from continuing what you were doing. This often happens in conversations or activities. It can have a negative connotation if it causes frustration.

• He faced frequent interruptions while trying to give his presentation
• I don't appreciate interruptions when I am working

Used when someone is uncertain or unsure about something, often before making a decision or action.

• After much hesitation, she finally agreed to join the team
• His hesitation cost him the job opportunity

Commonly used to describe a temporary stop or break, usually with the intention of continuing again soon. It can be used in everyday conversation or more technical contexts like media playback.

• She took a brief pause before continuing her presentation
• He pressed the pause button on the remote control

Often used in more formal or official settings to describe a sudden or forceful stop, sometimes because of an order or command.

• The government ordered a halt to all construction in the area
• The soldier shouted, 'Halt!' to the approaching vehicle

This is a general and common term for ceasing movement or activity, applicable in many informal and formal contexts.

• Can you stop the car here? It's dangerous to stop suddenly in traffic