hesitate

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.

“Hesitate” is pronounced HEHZ-ih-tayt (/ˈhɛz.ə.teɪt/ in IPA).

Here is “hesitate” used in a sentence: “Don't hesitate to call if you need help.”

Words with a similar meaning to “hesitate” include falter, mammer, scruple, waver, boggle and wobble.

The opposite of “hesitate” — its antonyms — are damn the torpedoes, decide, brazen, grasp the nettle and go big or go home.

“Hesitate” is a verb.

The word “hesitate” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin haesitare ("to stick fast, to hesitate"), an intensive form of haerēre ("to stick, cling").

“Hesitate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

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.

"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.

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.