Meaning & use
hesitating
Last updated
Pausing before doing or saying something, typically because of uncertainty or reluctance.
See it in a sentence
She stood at the diving board, hesitating before finally jumping in.
Without hesitating, he grabbed the child from the path of the oncoming car.
A note on using this word
As an adjective, "hesitating" can describe speech or manner, as in "a hesitating reply," suggesting timidity or doubt.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
decidingacting
Another way to use it
2. adjective
Showing uncertainty or lack of confidence.
He gave a hesitating smile before agreeing to the plan.
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