Meaning & Definition of word "Hesitating"
to
Hesitating
/ˈhɛz.ɪ.teɪtɪŋ/
verb:
- 1. to pause before saying or doing something, often due to uncertainty or indecision.
- Example: She stood at the door, hesitating before she knocked.
- 2. to be hesitant; to show indecision.
- Example: He was hesitating about accepting the job offer.
- 3. to falter in action or speech.
- Example: The student hesitated before answering the teacher's question.
- 4. to slow down or delay in making a decision.
- Example: They were hesitating to invest in the new venture.
Etymology
From the verb 'hesitate', which originates from the Latin 'haesitare', meaning 'to stick' or 'to pause'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
better safe than sorry:
It's better to be cautious than to take risks that could lead to regret.
on the fence:
Undecided or in a state of indecision.
sit on the sidelines:
To remain uninvolved or undecided in a situation.
playing it safe:
Choosing to avoid risks.
Related Words
hesitation:
The act of pausing before making a decision.
hesitant:
Being slow to act or decide due to uncertainty.
Slang Meanings of hesitating
Meaning: Chicken out
Example Sentence: He was ready to ask her out, but then he chickened out.
Meaning: Beat around the bush
Example Sentence: Stop beating around the bush and just tell me your answer.