hesitate

hes-i-tate · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To pause before saying or doing something, especially because of uncertainty or nervousness.

  2. 2.

    To be reluctant or unwilling to do something.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    hesitate to do something — be reluctant to do something
  • •
    he who hesitates is lost — delays can lead to missed opportunities
  • •
    without hesitation — immediately, without pausing

Related words

Antonyms: act, decide, proceed
See also: hesitation, pause, waver
Synonyms: dither, falter, pause, vacillate, waver

Etymology

From Latin haesitare ("to stick fast, stammer"), frequentative of haerere ("to stick, cling"). Entered English in the early 17th century.