hesitate
verb (used without object)
to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination.
hesitating
-
present participleof hesitate.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Keane added: "The penalty is a bit harsh and the referee took so long to look at the screen. You want conviction in the referee's decision and he was hesitating for a long time."
From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026
DSA-LA member Anna Gross argued that neither candidate was ideal, with Huang, who has little political experience, being a long shot and Raman hesitating to fully embrace the group.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 22, 2026
They held them up to the light, pressed them between their fingers, hesitating — until, one by one, they took a bite.
From Salon ● Mar. 17, 2026
That removed a near-term overhang on the stock, but private lenders are hesitating to back its plans, according to Schwartz.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 25, 2026
After hesitating only a second, she chose to save perfection and leave the damaged.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
