hesitate
14 synonyms and 10 antonyms for hesitate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To pause before doing or deciding something because of doubt or reluctance.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use hesitate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin haesitare ("to stick fast, to hesitate"), an intensive form of haerēre ("to stick, cling").
Full origin of hesitate →Frequently asked questions
What does “hesitate” mean?
The word “hesitate” means to pause before doing or deciding something because of doubt or reluctance. In plain terms, to pause or delay because you're unsure or reluctant.
How do you pronounce “hesitate”?
“Hesitate” is pronounced HEHZ-ih-tayt (/ˈhɛz.ə.teɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “hesitate” in a sentence?
Here is “hesitate” used in a sentence: “Don't hesitate to call if you need help.”
What is another word for “hesitate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “hesitate” include falter, mammer, scruple, waver, boggle and wobble.
What is the opposite of “hesitate”?
The opposite of “hesitate” — its antonyms — are damn the torpedoes, decide, brazen, grasp the nettle and go big or go home.
What part of speech is “hesitate”?
“Hesitate” is a verb.
Where does the word “hesitate” come from?
The word “hesitate” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin haesitare ("to stick fast, to hesitate"), an intensive form of haerēre ("to stick, cling").
Is “hesitate” a common word?
“Hesitate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between hesitate and pause?
To pause simply means to stop briefly, without implying any particular reason. To hesitate means to pause specifically because of doubt or reluctance, so hesitation always involves some uncertainty about what to do or decide.
What does it mean when someone says "don't hesitate to ask"?
"Don't hesitate to ask" is a polite way of encouraging someone not to feel doubt or reluctance about making a request. It reassures the listener that asking will be welcomed rather than seen as an imposition.
Is hesitate a formal or everyday word?
Hesitate is a neutral, everyday word suitable for both formal and informal writing and speech. It is commonly used in polite requests, instructions, and descriptions of someone's uncertain behaviour.