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Hesitation: meaning, definitions and examples

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hesitation

 

[ ˌhɛzɪˈteɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in decision-making

The act of pausing or delaying before making a decision or taking action, usually due to uncertainty or doubt.

Synonyms

doubt, indecision, uncertainty

Examples of usage

  • She hesitated before accepting the job offer.
  • His hesitation in making a decision cost him the opportunity.
Context #2 | Noun

in speech

An interruption in the flow of speech, usually marked by pausing or stammering.

Synonyms

interruption, pausing, stammering

Examples of usage

  • Her hesitation while speaking made it difficult to understand her.
Context #3 | Noun

in movement

A temporary halt or pause in movement or progress.

Synonyms

halt, pause, stop

Examples of usage

  • The car came to a sudden hesitation before starting again.

Translations

Translations of the word "hesitation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hesitação

🇮🇳 संकोच

🇩🇪 Zögern

🇮🇩 keraguan

🇺🇦 вагання

🇵🇱 wahanie

🇯🇵 ためらい

🇫🇷 hésitation

🇪🇸 vacilación

🇹🇷 tereddüt

🇰🇷 주犹

🇸🇦 تردد

🇨🇿 váhání

🇸🇰 váhanie

🇨🇳 犹豫

🇸🇮 oklevanje

🇮🇸 hika

🇰🇿 торық

🇬🇪 დაურღვევლობა

🇦🇿 şübhə

🇲🇽 vacilación

Etymology

The word 'hesitation' originated from the Latin word 'haesitatio', which means 'a stammering'. Over time, the word evolved to represent the act of pausing or delaying. It has been used in English language since the 15th century, with its meaning expanding to include both decision-making and speech interruptions.

See also: hesitancy, hesitant, hesitating.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,468 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.