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hesitation
/ˌhɛzɪˈteɪʃən/
delay due to uncertainty
After a moment of hesitation, she finally agreed to the offer.
She paused briefly before deciding to accept the proposal.
neutral
A pause or delay caused by uncertainty or indecision.
His hesitation in answering the question made the interviewer suspicious.
The delay in his response raised doubts about his honesty.
There was no hesitation in her voice when she announced her resignation.
She spoke firmly and confidently about leaving.
Hesitation often implies a momentary struggle between options or fear of consequences.
psychology
The act of pausing before acting or speaking due to nervousness.
Therapists often study hesitation patterns to understand anxiety in patients.
Observing how long someone pauses can reveal their emotional state.
In psychology, hesitation is linked to cognitive load and emotional regulation.
Collocations
without hesitationimmediately and confidentlymoment of hesitationa brief pause due to doubtovercome hesitationto act despite initial reluctance
Pro Tip
Using 'hesitation' in formal writing
In academic or professional texts, 'hesitation' is preferred over casual terms like 'wavering' for its neutral tone. Example: 'The CEO’s hesitation during the Q&A reflected the company’s strategic uncertainty.'
Gold Rule
Avoid overusing 'hesitation'
While useful, excessive use can make writing sound uncertain. Vary with synonyms like 'pause' or 'delay' when context allows.
Word Origin
From Latin *haesitatio(n-)*, meaning 'a sticking fast, hesitation,' from *haesitare* 'to stick, hesitate,' frequentative of *haerere* 'to stick, cling.'
Usage Notes
Hesitation is neutral in tone but often carries a negative connotation when implying weakness or indecision. In professional contexts, brief hesitation may be seen as thoughtful, while prolonged hesitation can signal incompetence.
Word Breakdown
hesit-
to stick or cling (Latin root)
root-ation
forms nouns indicating action or state
suffixEnglish Dictionary