Hesitant Meaning in English
word
ˈhɛzɪtənt
HEZ-ih-tuhnt
hˈɛsɪtənt
HES-ih-tuhnt
Definition
If someone is hesitant, they are slow to do something or unsure because they are uncertain or worried.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used to describe people or actions when someone is unsure or reluctant. Common collocations: 'hesitant to', 'hesitant about'. More formal than 'unsure' or 'nervous'. Don't confuse with 'reluctant', which implies not wanting to do something.
Spanish: vacilante - indecisoPortuguese (BR): hesitante - indecisoPortuguese (PT): hesitante - indecisoChinese (Simplified): 犹豫的 - 踌躇的Chinese (Traditional): 猶豫的 - 躊躇的Hindi: संकोचपूर्ण - हिचकिचाहट वालाArabic: متردد - متحيرBengali: দ্বিধাগ্রস্ত - সংশয়ীRussian: нерешительный - колеблющийсяJapanese: ためらいがちな - ためらっているVietnamese: do dự - ngập ngừngKorean: 주저하는 - 망설이는Turkish: tereddütlü - kararsızUrdu: ہچکچاتا ہواIndonesian: ragu-ragu - bimbang
Example Sentences
She was hesitant to answer the question.
basic
He looked hesitant before crossing the street.
basic
The child is hesitant about trying new foods.
basic
He sounded a bit hesitant on the phone, like he wasn't sure what to say.
natural
Don’t be hesitant—give it a try!
natural
She gave a hesitant smile before walking in.
natural