HESITATE Meaning and
Definition
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Hesitate is a verb that refers to the act of pausing or having doubts before taking action or making a decision. It is characterized by a temporary delay, uncertainty, or reluctance in responding or proceeding. When someone hesitates, they may hesitate internally, experiencing a momentary mental conflict or debate, or they may physically pause or falter in their actions.
Hesitation can arise from various reasons, including fear, insecurity, indecisiveness, lack of confidence, or unfamiliarity with the situation. It can also result from carefully considering the potential consequences or weighing the available options before committing to a course of action.
Hesitation can manifest in different ways, such as a brief pause in speech, a momentary delay in responding to a question, or a sudden self-consciousness during a performance or presentation. It is often seen as an indication of ambivalence, caution, or a need for further consideration.
While hesitation can be a natural response in certain situations, it can also be seen as a hindrance to progress or effective decision-making. Overcoming hesitation typically requires a strong sense of self-assurance, clarity of purpose, and trust in one's abilities or judgment.
Overall, hesitating plays a crucial role in human behavior and cognition, allowing individuals to reflect, assess risks, and ultimately make well-informed choices.
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To pause respecting decision or action; to be in doubt; to delay; to waver; to stammer in speech.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for HESITATE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for HESITATE
Etymology of HESITATE
The word "hesitate" originated from the Latin verb "haesitare" meaning "to stick fast, halt, hesitate". It is derived from the root word "haerere", which means "to stick, cling". The word entered Old French as "hesiter", retaining a similar meaning. Over time, "hesitate" evolved into its present form in the English language.
Idioms with the word HESITATE
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hesitate over sth
To "hesitate over sth" means to pause or show uncertainty or reluctance while making a decision or taking action regarding something. It indicates being in a state of doubt or indecisiveness before proceeding.
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hesitate over something
The idiom "hesitate over something" means to be indecisive or uncertain about making a decision, taking action, or committing to a particular course of action or choice. It suggests a state of pause or delay due to doubts, hesitations, or conflicting considerations.
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If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask
"If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask" is an idiomatic expression used to convey one's willingness to assist or help someone. It emphasizes the importance of being open and available for any requests or needs that the other person might have. It is often spoken as a polite offer of assistance, suggesting that the person should not feel reluctant or shy in asking for help or support.
Similar spelling words for HESITATE
Conjugate verb Hesitate
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have hesitated
you
would have hesitated
he/she/it
would have hesitated
we
would have hesitated
they
would have hesitated
I
would have hesitate
you
would have hesitate
he/she/it
would have hesitate
we
would have hesitate
they
would have hesitate
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been hesitating
you
would have been hesitating
he/she/it
would have been hesitating
we
would have been hesitating
they
would have been hesitating
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would hesitate
you
would hesitate
he/she/it
would hesitate
we
would hesitate
they
would hesitate
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be hesitating
you
would be hesitating
he/she/it
would be hesitating
we
would be hesitating
they
would be hesitating
FUTURE
I
will hesitate
you
will hesitate
he/she/it
will hesitate
we
will hesitate
they
will hesitate
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be hesitating
you
will be hesitating
he/she/it
will be hesitating
we
will be hesitating
they
will be hesitating
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have hesitated
you
will have hesitated
he/she/it
will have hesitated
we
will have hesitated
they
will have hesitated
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been hesitating
you
will have been hesitating
he/she/it
will have been hesitating
we
will have been hesitating
they
will have been hesitating
IMPERATIVE
you
hesitate
we
let´s hesitate
to hesitate
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was hesitating
you
were hesitating
he/she/it
was hesitating
we
were hesitating
they
were hesitating
PAST PARTICIPLE
hesitated
PAST PERFECT
I
had hesitated
you
had hesitated
he/she/it
had hesitated
we
had hesitated
they
had hesitated
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been hesitating
you
had been hesitating
he/she/it
had been hesitating
we
had been hesitating
they
had been hesitating
PRESENT
I
hesitate
you
hesitate
he/she/it
hesitates
we
hesitate
they
hesitate
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am hesitating
you
are hesitating
he/she/it
is hesitating
we
are hesitating
they
are hesitating
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
hesitating
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have hesitated
you
have hesitated
he/she/it
has hesitated
we
have hesitated
they
have hesitated
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been hesitating
you
have been hesitating
he/she/it
has been hesitating
we
have been hesitating
they
have been hesitating
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
hesitate
SIMPLE PAST
I
hesitated
you
hesitated
he/she/it
hesitated
we
hesitated
they
hesitated
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