hesitant
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Derived 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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In the Mood? 100 Words to Describe Emotions
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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.
Management and employees can also be hesitant about really integrating AI into their operations, rather than just using it for drudgework.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026
But soaring gas prices and hesitant international travelers have added uncertainty to a trip that was always going to be a logistical challenge.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026
Entry-level workers often feel a lack of professional leverage and a concern that self-advocacy might cost them a position, which can result in a hesitant approach when discussing salary.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026
Gromov said he saw "quite high" chances of a full commercial deal being struck, while Korolev was more hesitant, expecting only "affirmation of political support, not final agreements".
From Barron's • May 19, 2026
I take a few hesitant steps toward Phil, who stands at the fireplace.
From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" 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.
