Hesitating Meaning in English
word · lemma: hesitate
ˈhɛzəˌteɪtɪŋ
HEZ-uh-tay-ting
hˈɛsɪtˌeɪtɪŋ
HES-i-tay-ting
Definition
Currently being slow or unsure to do or say something, often because of uncertainty or fear.
Usage & Nuances
Often used with 'about' (hesitating about), 'before' (hesitating before answering). Suggests uncertainty, not outright refusal. It is informal to neutral and common in both spoken and written English.
Spanish: dudar - vacilarPortuguese (BR): hesitar - ficar indecisoPortuguese (PT): hesitar - ficar indecisoChinese (Simplified): 犹豫Chinese (Traditional): 猶豫Hindi: संकोच करना - हिचकिचानाArabic: يترددBengali: দ্বিধাগ্রস্ত - ইতস্তত করাRussian: колеблясь - сомневаясьJapanese: ためらっているVietnamese: do dự - lưỡng lựKorean: 망설이는 - 주저하는Turkish: tereddüt eden - duraksayanUrdu: ہچکچاتے ہوئےIndonesian: ragu-ragu - bimbang
Example Sentences
She was hesitating before answering the question.
basic
I could see him hesitating at the door.
basic
He kept hesitating to call his friend.
basic
"Why are you hesitating? Just say what you think!"
natural
You can tell she's hesitating before making a decision.
natural
Without hesitating, he jumped into the water to save the child.
natural