Hesitate Meaning
/ˈhɛz.ɪ.teɪt/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Definition
verbTo stop or pause respecting decision or action; to be in suspense or uncertainty as to a determination.
verbTo stammer; to falter in speaking.
Sentence Examples
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Latin haereō Proto-Indo-European *-tós Proto-Italic *-tos Latin -tus Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-eh₂yéti Proto-Italic *-āō Latin -ō Latin -tō ▲ Latin -tō Latin -itō Latin -titō Latin haesitō Latin haesitātusbor. English hesitate Borrowed from Latin haesitātus, perfect passive participle of haesitō (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), intensive of haereō (“to hesitate, stick fast; to hang or hold fast”). Displaced native Old English wandian. Compare French hésiter.