Hesitate

/ˈhezɪteɪt/

Verb

DEFINITION

1.    pause in indecision before saying or doing something

2.    unsure of what to say

3.    to stop briefly before you do something especially because you are nervous or unsure about what to do

4.    to be unwilling to do something because of doubt or uncertainty

5.    to hold back in doubt or indecision

6.    to delay momentarily : pause

Examples of HESITATE

1.    She hesitated and waited for her friend to say something.

2.    He hesitated about accepting the job.

3.    I sometimes hesitate to say what I am really thinking.

4.    I hesitated to come without being asked.

5.    I wouldn't hesitate to ask for your help if I felt I needed it.

6.    Don't hesitate to call if there is a problem.

Origin of HESITATE

Latin haesitatus, past participle of haesitare to stick fast, hesitate, frequentative of haerēre to stick

First Known Use: 1598

Synonyms

balance, dither, falter, halt, hang back, scruple, shilly-shally, stagger, teeter, vacillate, waver, wobble (also wabble)

Antonyms

dive (in), plunge (in)

Related Words

haw, hem; dally, dawdle, delay, linger, pause, procrastinate, wait; back down, chicken (out); consider, debate, deliberate, ponder, weigh; oscillate, sway; equivocate, hedge, pussyfoot, waffle