WordGarden.iohesitant
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈɛsɪtənt/
US
- /ˈhɛzɪtənt/
Meanings
Adjective
unsure or slow to act because of doubt or reluctance
Beyond the definition
Imagine a puppy approaching a new toy - sniffing it carefully, taking a step back, then another small step forward. That's what this word is like. It describes someone who pauses or slows down because they are not sure what to do next. You might be hesitant to try a new food, or a politician might be hesitant to make a bold promise. It does not always mean fear; sometimes it simply means needing more information or more time to decide. A hesitant speaker might pause often while looking for the right words.
To be hesitant means to pause or hold back before acting because of uncertainty, doubt, or apprehension. It's a feeling that sits somewhere between caution and fear - not necessarily strong dread, but a clear lack of confidence about moving forward. For example: "She was hesitant about accepting the job offer because it required her to move to a new city."
Hesitancy can manifest in many ways. A hesitant voice might be soft and wavering, filled with pauses. A hesitant step is slow and unsure. You might describe someone as "speaking with hesitation," meaning they are pausing frequently while choosing their words carefully.
The word comes from the Latin "haesitare," meaning to stick fast or linger - picturing something caught between options. This sense of being stuck, unable to fully commit, is at the heart of what it means to be hesitant. It's more than just being slow; it implies an internal struggle with making a decision.
You might see hesitation in everyday situations: a child who is hesitant to jump into the pool, a driver who is hesitant to merge onto a busy highway, or a friend who is hesitant to share bad news. It's a common human experience - that moment of pause before taking a leap, driven by uncertainty and careful consideration.
Examples
- 1
Classroom
She was hesitant to ask a question in class.
- 2
Job relocation
I'm still hesitant about moving to another city for work.
- Patternhesitant about + -ing/noun
unsure whether it is a good idea
- 3
Uncertain smile
He gave a hesitant smile when he saw her.
- 4
Group response
There was a hesitant pause before anyone answered.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Online trust
After being scammed once, she's hesitant to trust online sellers.
- 6
Team decision
At first the team was hesitant, but the new plan quickly won them over.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- hesitantadjective