hesitant
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of hesitant
First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin haesitant-, stem of haesitāns “faltering,” present participle of haesitāre “to falter, hesitate,” literally, “to stick repeatedly,” from haerēre “to stick, cling”
Explanation
When you’re feeling hesitant, you aren’t sure what to do, so instead of taking action you wait a little, biding your time until you figure out what option is best. The Latin word haesitant translates as “being undecided,” and not being able to decide is exactly what makes you hesitant. Being hesitant will make you hesitate for a bit, waiting to see what happens next. Nervousness or fear will make your actions hesitant, like when trying to walk across a rickety wooden bridge. Should you keep going or turn back? Your hesitant steps show that you’re still wrestling with that question. Whatever you decide, don’t look down.
Vocabulary lists containing hesitant
The Diary of Anne Frank
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The Hate U Give
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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.
Their private-equity owners are now hesitant to sell at significantly lower valuations.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 7, 2026
While Berner talks about being married to an older man in her comedy and podcasts, he only mentions her once in the new special and is hesitant to use her better-known persona for his material.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2026
Datu Atom Malimpnig, a Maguindanaon chieftain, said the newly formed coastline had left the group of fishermen and their families hesitant to return to their now-destroyed homes.
From Barron's • Jun. 19, 2026
England's first steps in this World Cup were hesitant and uncertain – but when they hit their stride it brought to mind that word again.
From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026
She pauses and then adds with a hesitant smile, “There are cameras, and drones will be monitoring. You’ll be...safe. Unity. Security. Prosperity. Khudafis.”
From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
