Looking up...
hesitant
/ˈhɛzɪtənt/
uncertain or slow to act
She was hesitant to answer the question.
She was unsure and took time before responding.
informal
Uncertain or slow to act because of fear or doubt
He stood at the door, hesitant to enter the crowded room.
He paused because he felt unsure about going into the room.
The child was hesitant to speak in front of the class.
The child felt nervous and hesitated before talking.
Often used to describe someone who is reluctant or lacks confidence.
Collocations
hesitant toreluctant or unwilling to do somethinghesitant smilea smile that shows uncertainty or nervousness
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use 'hesitant' to describe someone who is unsure or slow to act, often due to fear or doubt.
Gold Rule
Correct Usage
'Hesitant' is an adjective, so it describes a noun (e.g., 'a hesitant smile').
Word Origin
From Middle French 'hésitant', from 'hésiter' (to hesitate), from Latin 'haesitare' (to hesitate).
Usage Notes
Commonly used to describe someone who is unsure or slow to act due to fear, doubt, or nervousness.
Word Breakdown
hesit
to pause or delay
root-ant
having the quality of
suffixEnglish Dictionary