hesitate
verb (used without object)
to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination.
had been hesitating
-
past perfect progressiveof hesitate.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The admiral had been hesitating as to whether to risk his precious battleships any longer; No. 4 shell made it unnecessary for him to make up his mind.
From Time Magazine Archive
Ashbel, who had been hesitating through hope, vented a jeering laugh.
From Susan Lenox: Her Fall and Rise by David Graham Phillips
They said cruel things to each other: the result was that Christophe, who, till then, had been hesitating, only thought of hastening his preparations for his departure.
From Jean-Christophe, Volume I by Gilbert Cannan
Now the trouble that he had been hesitating to bring before his father was concerned with that very grave interest of the young, his Object in Life.
From Mr. Britling Sees It Through by H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
Josh had been hesitating, wondering whether he ought to make a suggestion that, springing from his generous heart, was already trembling on his lips.
From The Big Five Motorcycle Boys on the Battle Line Or, With the Allies in France by Ralph Marlow
