hesitate

CEFRB1

/ˈhɛz.ɪ.teɪt/

verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To pause before doing something because you are unsure.

  2. 02

    verb

    Extra detail

    To stammer; to falter in speaking.

Examples

  • By and large, reporters don't hesitate to intrude on one's privacy.

  • Reporters do not hesitate to intrude into people's privacy.

At a glance

Sits at B1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
4
Parts of speech
1
Citations
1
Synonyms
5

Also pronounced

  • /ˈhez.ə.tæɪt/

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. To utter with hesitation or to intimate by a reluctant manner.

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

More examples

In context

  • He hesitated whether to accept the offer or not; men often hesitate in forming a judgment.

  • September 1, 1742, Alexander Pope, letter to Racine I shall not hesitate to declare myself very cordially, in regard to some particulars about which you have desired an answer.

  • Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

Do not blank to ask for help if you need it during the exam.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

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.