Meaning & use
hesitantly
In a way that shows uncertainty or reluctance before doing or saying something.
See it in a sentence
She hesitantly raised her hand to ask a question during the crowded lecture.
He hesitantly agreed to the plan after his friends kept insisting it would work.
A note on using this word
Hesitantly focuses on visible pausing or wavering, while reluctantly emphasizes unwillingness even if the action is done without pausing.
Words with a similar meaning
uncertainlyreluctantly
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
confidentlydecisively
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “hesitantly”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.