Showing or feeling reluctance or hesitation. If you are hesitant, you do not do something immediately or quickly because you are nervous or… See examples of hesitant used in a sentence. Definition of hesitant adjective in oxford advanced learner's dictionary Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. To pause briefly eg because of uncertainty.
When you’re feeling hesitant, you aren’t sure what to do, so instead of taking action you wait a little, biding your time until you figure out what option is best The latin word haesitant translates as “being undecided,” and not being able to decide is exactly what makes you hesitant. Wordreference random house learner's dictionary of american english © 2025 hes•i•tant /ˈhɛzɪtənt/ adj If you are hesitant about doing something, you do not do it quickly or immediately, usually because you are uncertain, embarrassed, or worried. Some common synonyms of hesitant are averse, disinclined, loath, and reluctant While all these words mean lacking the will or desire to do something indicated, hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty.
He seems hesitant about accepting the job.
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