hesitate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hesitate Word Meanings
- to pause before taking action
- to be uncertain or tentative
- to hold back due to doubt
hesitate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hesitate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈhɛzɪteɪt/
US
/ˈhɛzɪteɪt/
hesitate Word Etymology
From 'hesit- (from Latin 'haesitare', meaning 'to stick or stay') + -ate. Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine someone sticking to the ground, unable to move forward, just like someone hesitating to take the next step.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I lift my hand toward the door handle and the move slows into a pause. I shift my weight a touch, adjust my grip, and hold the moment there. The hesitation makes my breath shallow and my mind weigh the next move. When I feel sure, I press on and the door yields to my push or pull.
Real Context
Hesitate means to pause before taking action because you are unsure, doubtful, or uncertain about the next step. It often shows an inner conflict between wanting to act and fearing consequences, results, or uncertainty about the best choice. In everyday English, you hesitate about making a decision, about speaking up, or about trying something new. We use it with about/over + noun or with to + verb, for example, 'I hesitated about accepting the offer' or 'She hesitated to reveal the truth.' The nuance is softer than 'refuse' or 'delay,' and it can describe momentary doubt or a longer pause in action depending on context.
Usage Reminders
- Use hesitate for internal doubt; not for deliberate delay. You can say I hesitated about/over something or I hesitated to do something. Common collocations are hesitate about a decision, hesitate to speak, hesitate to try something new. Pronounce /ˈhɛzɪteɪt/; stress on the first syllable. It often appears in past tense as hesitated.
Common Misconceptions
- Mistaking hesitation for refusal or deliberate delay.
- Thinking 'hesitate' requires a strong or long delay.
- Confusing with 'pause' or 'delay' in all contexts.
- Using 'hesitate' with passive voice incorrectly.
- Believing 'hesitate' can only occur in speaking, not decision-making.
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, hesitation is often about a split-second inner voice deciding whether to act; it’s common and not a failure. Learners may overgeneralize to ‘pause’ or ‘delay’ and miss the sense of uncertainty about a specific choice or action.
Learning Tips
- Remember: hesitate = inner doubt about an action; not a firm decision to delay.
- Learn the common patterns: hesitate about/over + noun, hesitate to + verb.
- Practice pronunciation: /ˈhɛzɪˌteɪt/ with emphasis on the first syllable.
- Compare with 'pause' and 'delay' to choose nuance correctly.
- Use in real-life contexts: decisions, speaking up, trying new things.
- Write 3 sentences daily using 'hesitate' in different collocations.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'hesitate'?
A.To delay
B.To rush
C.To decide
D.To finish
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'hesitate' correctly?
A.I hesitated the concert tickets.
B.He hesitated with his work promptly.
C.She didn't hesitate to ask for help.
D.The project was hesitated on time.
Step 3: Similar Words
Choose the synonym for 'hesitate':
A.Proceed
B.Resist
C.Skip
D.Pause
Step 4: Opposite Words
Choose the opposite word for 'hesitate':
A.Decide
B.Rush
C.Retreat
D.Continue
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life situation might someone hesitate?
A.When ordering food at a restaurant
B.At a busy intersection before crossing the road
C.While reading a book
D.During a workout at the gym
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