be hesitant

/biː ˈhɛzɪtənt/

uncertain or reluctant to act

She was hesitant to accept the job offer.

She was unsure and reluctant to accept the job offer.

informal

to be unwilling or slow to act or speak because of uncertainty or fear

He hesitated before answering the question.

He paused and was unsure before answering.

The child was hesitant to try the new food.

The child was reluctant to try the unfamiliar food.

Often used to describe someone who is cautious or unsure in their actions or decisions.

Collocations

be hesitant to do somethingto be reluctant or unsure about doing somethinghesitant smilea smile that shows uncertainty or nervousness

to pause or delay before acting or speaking

the act of pausing or being uncertain

'Be hesitant' is often followed by 'to' and a verb, e.g., 'be hesitant to speak'.

Always use 'to' before the verb when using 'be hesitant'.

From Middle English 'hesitanten', from Old French 'hesiter', from Latin 'haesitare' (to hesitate).

Commonly used to describe someone who is cautious or unsure in their actions or decisions. Often followed by 'to' and a verb.

to exist or occur

verb

hesitant

uncertain or reluctant

adjective

English Dictionary