hesitate
verb (used without object)
to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination.
has hesitated
-
present perfectof hesitate (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Luxury agent Nathaniel Pichon-Getzels, who helms The Getzels Group, notes that Jenner’s “strategy is obviously not driven by urgency,” which may well indicate why she has hesitated to lower her asking price.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 17, 2026
But it has hesitated to declare victory, as prices for some items keep climbing.
From BBC ● May 10, 2023
Germany has hesitated to take that step, despite Ukraine’s pleas.
From Washington Times ● Jan. 24, 2023
He feels so connected to Judaism that he considered converting, but has hesitated: “My family is very Catholic and I don’t think they’d be happy.”
From New York Times ● Dec. 31, 2021
Do I say that on the tablet which my tongue has hesitated to breathe?
From Last Days of Pompeii by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton
