Meaning & use

hesitation

noun·Everyday

A pause before acting or speaking, caused by uncertainty or reluctance.

See it in a sentence

After a moment's hesitation, she signed the contract.

His hesitation before answering made the interviewer suspicious.

A note on using this word

Often used with "without," as in "without hesitation," to emphasize confidence or quick decision-making.

Words with a similar meaning

reluctanceindecisionuncertainty

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

decisivenesscertainty

Make it your own

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