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Definition of hesitantly

hesitantly

/ˈhɛzɪtəntli/
hes · i · tant · ly
Adjective:hesitant
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hesitantly Lexical Profile

hesitantly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a tentative, uncertain, or reluctant manner; with pause or doubt before acting or speaking.

Example

"She stepped hesitantly onto the stage, unsure of how the audience would react to her speech."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

hesitance
hesitancy
hesitant
hesitantly
hesitate
hesitatingly
hesitation

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'hesitant' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'; 'hesitant' derives from Latin 'haesitantem', the present participle of 'haesitare' (to stick fast, stammer, or be undecided), a frequentative form of 'haerere' (to stick or cling).

Cite this Entry

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