hesitate
verb (used without object)
to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination.
hesitates
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present tense formof hesitate (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
He hesitates to call what he was doing playing at the professional level.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 18, 2026
Most people recognize the familiar situation at a restaurant or dinner party when one plate arrives early and the person served hesitates to start eating.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 12, 2026
That is the case for Lucia May, aged four, who hesitates as she looks at skulls peeking from wooden boxes, some still with some hair.
From Barron's ● Oct. 22, 2025
He kisses her forehead then goes to kiss her on the lips before she apparently hesitates and they continue dancing.
From BBC ● Jan. 22, 2025
Theo hesitates a split second while considering my question, before his face arranges itself back into his familiar grin.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
