Hesitate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈhe-zə-ˌtāt/ hes·i·tate

Meaning & Definition of Hesitate

Hesitate (verb)

  1. to hold back in doubt or indecision
  2. to delay momentarily, pause
  3. stammer

Hesitate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to show uncertainty about the right course of action

    "I didn't hesitate to tell them that what they were doing was wrong and that I wanted no part of it"

    similar: balance, dither, falter, halt, hang back, scruple, shilly-shally, stagger, teeter, vacillate, waver, wobble
    related: haw, hem, dally, dawdle, delay, linger, pause, procrastinate, wait, back down, chicken (out), consider, debate, deliberate, ponder, weigh, oscillate, sway, equivocate, hedge, pussyfoot, waffle
    opposite: dive (in), plunge (in)
    near: decide, budge, stir, advance, continue

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Hesitate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Hesitate:

balance, dither, falter, halt, hang back, scruple, shilly-shally, stagger, teeter, vacillate, waver, wobble

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Hesitate

Words with the opposite meaning of Hesitate:

dive (in), plunge (in)

Related Words for Hesitate

haw, hem, dally, dawdle, delay, linger, pause, procrastinate, wait, back down, chicken (out), consider, debate, deliberate, ponder, weigh, oscillate, sway, equivocate, hedge, pussyfoot, waffle

Near Antonyms of Hesitate

decide, budge, stir, advance, continue

Word Forms of Hesitate

Inflections: hesitated, hesitating

Derived words: hesitater (noun), hesitatingly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Hesitate

Latin haesitatus, past participle of haesitare to stick fast, hesitate, frequentative of haerēre to stick

First known use: 1598i

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Hesitate

Frequently Asked Questions about Hesitate

What does "Hesitate" mean?

"Hesitate" means to hold back in doubt or indecision. As a verb, it is defined as: to hold back in doubt or indecision.

What is another word for "Hesitate"?

Other words for "Hesitate" include balance, dither, falter, halt, hang back, scruple, shilly-shally and stagger. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Hesitate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Hesitate"?

There are 34 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Hesitate". Common alternatives include balance, dither, falter, halt, hang back, scruple, shilly-shally, stagger, teeter and vacillate.

What is the opposite of "Hesitate"?

Antonyms of "Hesitate" include dive (in) and plunge (in). Near antonyms include decide, budge, stir and advance.

How do you use "Hesitate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Hesitate" in a sentence: "I didn't hesitate to tell them that what they were doing was wrong and that I wanted no part of it".

Is "Hesitate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Hesitate" is a verb.

Is "Hesitate" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Hesitate" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Hesitate"?

"Hesitate" is pronounced /ˈhe-zə-ˌtāt/ and divided into syllables as hes·i·tate.