Meaning & Definition of word "Hesitant"
to
Hesitant
/ˈhɛzɪtənt/
adjective:
- 1. Being slow to act or decide due to uncertainty or reluctance.
- Example: She was hesitant to speak her mind during the meeting.
- 2. Characterized by a lack of confidence or resolve.
- Example: His hesitant smile betrayed his nervousness.
- 3. Indicating or resulting from indecision.
- Example: The hesitant response from the audience made the speaker uneasy.
- 4. Marked by pauses or breaks in speech.
- Example: Her hesitant manner of speaking revealed her unease.
Etymology
From Latin 'haesitare', meaning to stick or hesitate.
Common Phrases and Expressions
hesitant to act:
Reluctant or unsure about taking action.
hesitant agreement:
An agreement given with uncertainty or reservations.
make a hesitant move:
To act in a cautious or unsure manner.
Related Words
hesitate:
To pause before deciding or acting.
hesitancy:
The quality of being hesitant.
Slang Meanings of hesitant
Meaning: playing it safe
Example Sentence: He's always playing it safe with his choices; he can be quite hesitant.
Meaning: being wishy-washy
Example Sentence: Don't be so wishy-washy about your feelings; just say what you want!