hesitate
verb (used without object)
to be reluctant or wait to act because of fear, indecision, or disinclination.
was hesitating
-
past progressiveof hesitate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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
She was hesitating over a problem involving the manipulation of exponents.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 11, 2025
Tesla was hesitating on its plans for a factory in Mexico as it grapples with a turbulent economic outlook, CEO Elon Musk said in an earnings call earlier this month.
From Reuters ● Oct. 23, 2023
The book’s delay led to rumors that Harry was hesitating to say too much about his family, or was perhaps revising the narrative after his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, died in September.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 27, 2022
Napoleon was hesitating between the two, unable to make up his mind.
From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell
