hesitative

[hez-i-tey-tiv]

adjective

characterized by hesitation; hesitating.

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Origin of hesitative

First recorded in 1785–95; hesitate + -ive

Related formshes·i·ta·tive·ly, adverbun·hes·i·ta·tive, adjectiveun·hes·i·ta·tive·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Word Origin and History for hesitative

adj.

1795, from hesitate + -ive. Related: Hesitatively.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper