What does hesitate mean?
To hesitate is to pause before acting, speaking, or making a decision because one is uncertain, reluctant, or unsure of the appropriate course. The hesitation may be brief and almost involuntary, as when someone hesitates before answering a difficult question, or it may signal serious doubt or reluctance. Hesitate can therefore suggest both caution and indecision, and it often appears in contexts involving decisions, speech, negotiations, or physical action. The related phrase 'without hesitation' emphasizes speed and certainty, while 'hesitate to' commonly introduces an action a person is unwilling or unsure to take. Although hesitation may occasionally reflect thoughtful consideration, in everyday use the word usually carries a mild negative implication of delay or lack of resolve. It remains a useful and precise term for describing the moment when action is suspended by doubt.
verbTo pause before acting or speaking, usually because one is uncertain, unsure, or unwilling to commit. It can also mean to delay or fail to act decisively.
- To pause before acting or speaking because one is uncertain or undecided.
- To delay or fail to act decisively, often because of doubt, reluctance, or difficulty.
"She hesitated for a moment before accepting the offer."
"I hesitated before knocking on the unfamiliar door."
"The negotiators hesitated over the wording of the agreement."
Hesitate began with the idea of sticking: its Latin ancestor meant to cling or adhere, so the original word evoked being held back before taking a step.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How hesitate is actually used
The word is common in formal and informal English. It usually implies a brief or deliberate delay caused by uncertainty or reluctance, although it can describe a longer period of delay. The expression 'without hesitation' is especially common and means immediately and without doubt.
Easily confused with hesitate
Hesitate is a verb describing the act of pausing or delaying, whereas hesitant is an adjective describing a person, decision, or situation marked by uncertainty or indecision.