hesitate
/ˈhɛz.ɪ.teɪt/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: hesitates · hesitating · hesitated
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To stop or pause respecting decision or action; to be in suspense or uncertainty as to a determination.
Verb
Examples
He hesitated whether to accept the offer or not; men often hesitate in forming a judgment.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To stammer; to falter in speaking.
Verb
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “hesitate” mean?
To stop or pause respecting decision or action; to be in suspense or uncertainty as to a determination.
Is “hesitate” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.