Meaning & Definition of word "Hesitating"
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.