hesitation

hes-i-ta-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The action of pausing or delaying before saying or doing something.

  2. 2.

    A state of uncertainty or reluctance about doing something.

Forms

plural: hesitations

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    without hesitation — immediately, without pausing to think
  • •
    have no hesitation in — be completely willing to
  • •
    moment of hesitation — a brief pause of indecision

Related words

Antonyms: certainty, decisiveness, determination
See also: hesitate, indecision, pause
Synonyms: indecision, pause, reluctance, uncertainty, wavering

Etymology

From Latin haesitatio ("a stammering"), from haesitare ("to stick fast, hesitate"). Entered English in the early 17th century.