51Թ

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View synonyms for

hesitate

[ hez-i-teyt ]

verb (used without object)

hesitated, hesitating.
  1. to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination:

    She hesitated to take the job.

    Synonyms: , ,

    Antonyms:

  2. to have scruples or doubts; be unwilling:

    He hesitated to break the law.

  3. to pause:

    I hesitated before reciting the next line.

    Synonyms: ,

    Antonyms:

  4. to falter in speech; stammer:

    Embarrassment caused the speaker to hesitate.



hesitate

/ ˈɛɪˌٱɪ /

verb

  1. to hold back or be slow in acting; be uncertain
  2. to be unwilling or reluctant (to do something)
  3. to stammer or pause in speaking
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈˌٲپ, adjective
  • ˌˈٲپDz, noun
  • ˈˌٲٱ, noun
  • ˈˌٲپԲ, adverb
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • i·ٲe i·ٲtǰ noun
  • i·ٲiԲ· adverb
  • ·i·ٲٱ verb (used without object) prehesitated prehesitating
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of hesitate1

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin 󲹱ٳܲ “faltered,” past participle of 󲹱 “to falter”; hesitant
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of hesitate1

C17: from Latin 󲹱, from 󲹱ŧ to cling to
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“I hesitated to put that scene in the book,” she says.

From

Lam’s daughter Cathy Lam said: “When there was something to be done, my father never hesitated. Public service for him is a way to include everyone in decisions and solving problems.”

From

"We will seek out the truth," she said, adding she would not hesitate to use her legal powers "to the fullest extent necessary to compel the production of evidence where it's not provided".

From

When asked what they like most about their facial features, they hesitate, struggling to name a single part they wouldn't consider altering.

From

"These decisions reflect my determination to stamp out any abuse of the student support system. I will not hesitate to do the same again if circumstances justify it," she added.

From

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hesitanthesitation