hesitate
HEHZ-ih-tayt
Hesitate (verb) means to pause before doing or deciding something because of doubt or reluctance. Example: “Don't hesitate to call if you need help.”
verb
1
To pause before doing or deciding something because of doubt or reluctance.
"Don't hesitate to call if you need help."
"She hesitated at the door, unsure whether to knock."
"He hesitated before answering, because he did not want to upset anyone."
How to use hesitate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo pause or delay because you're unsure or reluctant.
Common pairings
hesitate to ask
don't hesitate
hesitate before answering
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- hesitates
- Past tense
- hesitated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't _____ to call if you need help.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin haesitare ("to stick fast, to hesitate"), an intensive form of haerēre ("to stick, cling").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for hesitate
See all rhymes for 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.
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