hesitation

[ hez-i-tey-shuhn ]

/ ˌhɛz ɪˈteɪ ʃən /

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See synonyms for: hesitation / hesitations on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act of hesitating; a delay due to uncertainty of mind or fear: His hesitation cost him the championship.

a state of doubt or uncertainty.

a halting or faltering in speech.

OTHER WORDS FOR hesitation

2 hesitancy, indecision, irresolution, vacillation.

3 stammer.

See synonyms for hesitation on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of hesitation

First recorded in 1615–25, hesitation is from the Latin word haesitātiōn- (stem of haesitātiō). See hesitate, -ion

OTHER WORDS FROM hesitation

pre·hes·i·ta·tion, noun

Words nearby hesitation

Hesiod, Hesione, hesitancy, hesitant, hesitate, hesitation, hesitation waltz, hesitative, Hesper, Hespere, Hesperia

How to use hesitation in a sentence

Lawyers in who practiced in Maryland and the District grew accustomed to texting or calling Bregman with a legal question because they knew he would know the answer without hesitation.
Maryland attorney found dead in his home after police responded to possible burglary|Katie Mettler, Peter Hermann|February 5, 2021|Washington Post
Still, there appeared to be little hesitation in the GOP ranks on voting to support Greene.
House ejects Marjorie Taylor Greene from committees over extremist remarks|Mike DeBonis|February 5, 2021|Washington Post
Becklund has no hesitation recommending their use—with the caveat that it’s important to talk to a physician about any medical concerns first, and to make sure not to get one that’s too heavy.
What the science actually says about weighted blankets|Rahul Rao|January 26, 2021|Popular-Science
I started with one digit every two seconds and I’ve had to practice doing that very quickly and learning how to do that without hesitation.
“We Get All Our Great Stuff from Europe — Including Witch Hunting.” (Ep. 446)|Steven D. Levitt|January 7, 2021|Freakonomics

“I don’t have any hesitation for myself,” said Prahl, while acknowledging that if she were advising a patient, she would run through potential risks and benefits.
Pregnant women agonize over whether to get coronavirus vaccine|Frances Stead Sellers|January 1, 2021|Washington Post
I ask about sex and drinking and drugs, routinely and without hesitation.
Let’s Not Forget: We Were All Teenagers Once|Russell Saunders|December 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When Malloy is asked what the hardest part of the last four years has been, he says without hesitation, “Sandy Hook.”
Dan Malloy Is Progressives’ Dream Governor. So Why Isn’t He Winning?|David Freedlander|October 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He admitted responsibility without hesitation, and in meticulous, grisly detail.
The Myth of the Central Park Five|Edward Conlon|October 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“Hesitation and half steps have consequences as well—and those remain to be determined,” Panetta said.
Obama’s Ex-CIA Chief Slams White House for ‘Hesitation and Half Steps’|Josh Rogin|October 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“There was a lot of hesitation from Joselito to really trust me,” Miller said.
The Man Behind Marilyn Malkovich|Justin Jones|October 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Austria's fall was due to the lethargy and hesitation of the courts of Berlin and St. Petersburg.
Napoleon's Marshals|R. P. Dunn-Pattison
You have, year after year, without the slightest hesitation or remorse, sucked its life-blood from it.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
A muffled sound of voices became audible, and Irvin, following a moment of hesitation, crossed and opened the door.
Dope|Sax Rohmer
With little hesitation she did so, in view of the immensely superior force displayed.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
Ultimately, finding the Emperor's cause in the ascendant, he cast aside hesitation and threw in his lot with him.
Napoleon's Marshals|R. P. Dunn-Pattison