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hesitation

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌhezɪˈteɪʃən/

hesitation means: A pause before doing something because you are uncertain or worried.

noun

DELAY IN ACTINGB2

A pause before doing something because you are uncertain or worried.

  • He jumped in without hesitation.
  • After a brief hesitation, I accepted the offer.
  • Her hesitation before opening the door made me nervous.

Similar words: pause, delay

Common phrases: without hesitation, moment of hesitation, brief hesitation

SPEECH PAUSEB2

A short pause while speaking because you are unsure what to say.

  • There was a hesitation before her answer.
  • His hesitation in the middle of the sentence sounded awkward.
  • After several hesitations, she finished reading the letter.

Similar words: pause

Common phrases: brief hesitation, hesitation in something

UNCERTAINTYB2

Doubt that makes it hard to decide or act confidently.

  • I recommend her without hesitation.
  • He expressed hesitation about the new plan.
  • Their hesitation disappeared when they saw the results.

How to use it: hesitation about something (She showed hesitation about signing the contract.)

Similar words: doubt, uncertainty, indecision

Opposites: certainty

Common phrases: without hesitation, hesitation about something

Questions about hesitation

What does hesitation mean?

A pause before doing something because you are uncertain or worried.

What is hesitation in other languages?

Türkçe: tereddüt · Español: vacilación · Français: hésitation · Deutsch: Zögern · Italiano: esitazione · 日本語: ためらい

How do you pronounce hesitation?

It is pronounced /ˌhezɪˈteɪʃən/.

How do you use hesitation in a sentence?

He jumped in without hesitation. After a brief hesitation, I accepted the offer.

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hesitation in other languages

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