Hesitate

Pronunciation: /ˈhɛzəˌteɪt/

Definitions of hesitate

verb to pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

Example Sentences

A1 She didn't hesitate to help her friend in need.

A2 I hesitate to ask for help because I don't want to bother anyone.

B1 The team leader hesitated before making a decision on which project to pursue.

B2 Despite his nerves, he didn't hesitate to speak up during the important meeting.

C1 The experienced surgeon never hesitates when faced with a critical operation.

C2 Even in the face of danger, the fearless firefighter did not hesitate to rescue the trapped family.

Examples of hesitate in a Sentence

formal She did not hesitate to ask for clarification during the meeting.

informal Don't hesitate to call me if you have any questions.

slang He didn't even hesitate to jump off the cliff into the water.

figurative In the face of danger, she didn't hesitate to protect her loved ones.

Grammatical Forms of hesitate

• past tense: hesitated
• plural: hesitate
• comparative: more hesitant
• superlative: most hesitant
• present tense: hesitate
• future tense: will hesitate
• perfect tense: have hesitated
• continuous tense: is hesitating
• singular: hesitates
• positive degree: hesitant
• infinitive: to hesitate
• gerund: hesitating
• participle: hesitating

Origin and Evolution of hesitate

First Known Use: 1500 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'hesitate' originated from the Latin word 'haesitare' which means to stick fast or cling to.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'hesitate' has evolved to encompass the idea of pausing or delaying in making a decision or taking action.