hesitant
Hesitant (adj) means Slow to act or decide because of uncertainty, nervousness, or reluctance. Example: “He was hesitant to sign the contract without reading it twice.”
How to use hesitant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishReluctant or unsure, and therefore slow to act or commit.
Word forms
more hesitant comparative, most hesitant superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was _____ to sign the contract without reading it twice.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin haesitans, the present participle of haesitare ("to hesitate, to stick fast").
Rhymes for hesitant
See all rhymes for hesitant →Frequently asked questions
What does “hesitant” mean?
The word “hesitant” means slow to act or decide because of uncertainty, nervousness, or reluctance. In plain terms, reluctant or unsure, and therefore slow to act or commit.
How do you pronounce “hesitant”?
“Hesitant” is pronounced HEH-zih-tuhnt (/ˈhɛzɪtənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “hesitant” in a sentence?
Here is “hesitant” used in a sentence: “He was hesitant to sign the contract without reading it twice.”
What part of speech is “hesitant”?
“Hesitant” is an adjective.
Where does the word “hesitant” come from?
The word “hesitant” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin haesitans, the present participle of haesitare ("to hesitate, to stick fast").
Is “hesitant” a common word?
“Hesitant” is an uncommon word in modern English.