Hesitant
'hɛzɪtənt
Definitions
Reluctant, undecided, or slow in acting or speaking due to fear, doubt, or uncertainty.
'hɛzɪtənt
Reluctant or slow to act or speak
He was hesitant about revealing his secret.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're about to try a new food, like a weird-looking purple veggie. You might be hesitant because you're not sure if you'll like it. You're unsure, and you're taking a moment before diving in.
👶 For kids: When you're not sure about something and you take a little time to decide, that's being hesitant.
More Examples
After a moment of hesitation, she agreed to help.
She seemed hesitant to answer my question.
How It's Used
"She was hesitant to accept the job offer."
"The patient was hesitant to discuss his trauma."
Idioms & expressions
A moment of hesitation
A brief pause before doing something, often due to uncertainty.
"There was a moment of hesitation before she finally spoke."
To be hesitant about
To be uncertain or reluctant to do something.
"She was hesitant about accepting the promotion."
From Old French *hesitant*, present participle of *hésiter* ("to hesitate"), from Latin *haesitare* ("to stick, stammer"), frequentative of *haerere* ("to stick").
The word has been used since the 17th century, initially to describe a stammering or faltering manner of speech. Its use has expanded to describe any reluctance or uncertainty.
Memory tip
Think of someone hesitating before jumping into a pool – they're unsure and reluctant.