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View synonyms for hesitant

hesitant

[ hez-i-tuhnt ]

adjective

  1. hesitating; undecided, doubtful, or disinclined.
  2. lacking readiness of speech.


hesitant

/ ˈhɛzɪtənt /

adjective

  1. wavering, hesitating, or irresolute


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Derived Forms

  • ˈhesitantly, adverb
  • ˈhesitance, noun

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Other Words From

  • hesi·tant·ly adverb
  • non·hesi·tant adjective
  • non·hesi·tant·ly adverb
  • un·hesi·tant adjective
  • un·hesi·tant·ly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of hesitant1

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin haesitant-, stem of haesitāns “faltering,” present participle of haesitāre “to falter, hesitate,” literally, “to stick repeatedly,” from haerēre “to stick, cling”

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Example Sentences

After some teasing and talking, Mulvehill writes that she is “hesitant” but they start kissing.

But church authorities have traditionally been hesitant to discuss controversial parts of Mormon history.

He negotiates with a hesitant Hershel who allows everyone to remain on the farm.

With the memoir I am a little more hesitant because it probably will be translated into Spanish.

Dalia is hesitant to use the label of feminist (making her no different from scores of other progressive female musicians).

He was a little hesitant about accepting the assignment and the managing editor misunderstood him somewhat.

The side gates clicked as he stood hesitant under the shelter of the wall, and a figure emerged from his domain.

A moment before, she had been talking to me freely and impulsively, though a little shy and hesitant, as a young girl.

So Nancy went through the little garden again with hesitant feet, and turned her face to the Casino.

Barney stepped out on the sill, moved on a few hesitant steps, stood looking about.

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inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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hesitancyhesitate