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Definition of hesitant

hesitant

/ˈhɛzɪtənt/
hes · i · tant
Adverb:hesitantly
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hesitant Lexical Profile

hesitant Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Tentative, unsure, or slow in acting or speaking due to doubt, uncertainty, or reluctance.

Example

"She was initially hesitant to accept the promotion because it required relocating to another city."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for hesitant

• Nearby Words

hertz
hesitance
hesitancy
hesitant
hesitantly
hesitate
hesitatingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin haesitantem, the present participle of haesitare ('to stick fast, stammer, or be undecided'), a frequentative form of haerere ('to adhere or cling').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hesitant. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hesitant
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