Hesitantly Meaning in English
word
ˈhɛzɪtəntɫi
HEZ-ih-tuhnt-lee
hˈɛsɪtəntli
HES-ih-tuhnt-lee
Definition
In a way that shows you are unsure, slow, or not confident about what to do or say.
Usage & Nuances
Most often used to describe actions or speech when someone is unsure or nervous. Common with verbs like 'say', 'ask', 'reply', and 'approach'. It suggests lack of confidence or certainty, but not strong fear.
Spanish: con vacilación - dudosa mentePortuguese (BR): hesitantemente - com hesitação - com dúvidaPortuguese (PT): hesitantemente - com hesitação - com dúvidaChinese (Simplified): 犹豫地Chinese (Traditional): 猶豫地Hindi: हिचकिचाते हुएArabic: بترددBengali: দ্বিধাগ্রস্তভাবে - সংকোচভাবেRussian: нерешительноJapanese: ためらいながらVietnamese: một cách ngập ngừngKorean: 머뭇거리며 - 주저하며Turkish: tereddütle - çekingen bir şekildeUrdu: ہچکچاتے ہوئےIndonesian: dengan ragu-ragu
Example Sentences
He spoke hesitantly in front of the class.
basic
She hesitantly opened the door.
basic
The child answered the question hesitantly.
basic
She reached out her hand hesitantly, not sure if he'd want to shake it.
natural
He hesitantly agreed to try the strange-looking food.
natural
“Do you want to go out?” he asked, hesitantly, afraid of her answer.
natural