Hesitate Meaning

/ˈhɛz.ɪ.teɪt/
B1

Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Listen pronunciation

verbTo stop or pause respecting decision or action; to be in suspense or uncertainty as to a determination.

verbTo stammer; to falter in speaking.

Reporters do not hesitate to intrude into people's privacy.
By and large, reporters don't hesitate to intrude on one's privacy.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
Do not ____ to ask for help if you need it during the exam.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Please do not ____ to contact me if you have any further questions or if you need more info.

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.

"Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike." — a. 1724, Alexander Pope, The Ms. at Longleat:

Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words

CEFR Practice Quiz
Do not ____ to ask for help if you need it during the exam.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Please do not ____ to contact me if you have any further questions or if you need more info.

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