Hesitated Meaning in English
word · lemma: hesitate
/ˈhɛzɪˌteɪtɪd/
HEZ-ih-tay-tid
/hˈɛsɪtˌeɪtɪd/
HES-ih-tay-tid
Definition
To pause before doing something, often because you are unsure or nervous.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in emotional or social situations. Common phrases: 'didn't hesitate to...', 'hesitated for a moment.' Not used for physical objects hesitating; only people can 'hesitate.'
Spanish: dudar - vacilarPortuguese (BR): hesitar - vacilarPortuguese (PT): hesitar - vacilarChinese (Simplified): 犹豫Chinese (Traditional): 猶豫Hindi: हिचकिचानाArabic: ترددBengali: দ্বিধা করা - ইতস্তত করাRussian: колебался - сомневалсяJapanese: ためらったVietnamese: do dựKorean: 망설였다 - 주저했다Turkish: tereddüt ettiUrdu: ہچکچایاIndonesian: ragu-ragu
Example Sentences
She hesitated before answering the question.
basic
He hesitated at the door, not sure if he should go in.
basic
I hesitated to ask for help.
basic
For a second, she hesitated, then gave him the answer he wanted.
natural
He never hesitated to speak his mind.
natural
They hesitated for just a moment before jumping into the water.
natural