hesitant

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Slow to act or decide because you feel unsure, nervous or reluctant.

   Grammar: Followed by to plus a verb or about plus a noun: hesitant to speak, hesitant about the plan.

   Patterns

   • hesitant to do something
   • hesitant about something

   I was hesitant to ask for a raise so soon.

   She felt hesitant about moving to a new city.

   He gave a hesitant answer and looked at the floor.

2. 2adjectivebefore a noun

   Marked by pauses and a lack of confidence, as in speech or movement.

   Grammar: Describes how something is done: a hesitant smile, hesitant steps.

   Patterns

   • a hesitant voice
   • hesitant steps

   The child took a few hesitant steps toward the water.

   Her hesitant voice trembled as she began the speech.

   A hesitant knock came at the door.

Word forms

Common combinations

hesitant to

Many people are hesitant to try new foods.

hesitant about

He remained hesitant about the offer.

hesitant smile

She gave a hesitant smile and waved.

hesitant voice

The new student spoke in a hesitant voice.

a little hesitant

I was a little hesitant when I first met them.

Synonyms and how they differ

reluctant

Reluctant suggests you do not want to do something, whereas hesitant suggests you are unsure and still deciding.

tentative

Tentative describes plans or steps that are cautious and not final, and it is less about a person's feelings.

uncertain

Uncertain describes a lack of knowledge or confidence, with no hint of pausing before acting.

unwilling

Unwilling means you refuse or do not want to act, so it is firmer than hesitant.

Opposites

Word family

hesitate verb

to pause before acting because of doubt

hesitation noun

a short pause that shows doubt

hesitantly adverb

in a doubtful, slow way

hesitancy noun

the quality of being slow to act

Commonly confused: hesitant or hesitate?

Practice

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