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Definition of hesitation

hesitation

/ˌhɛzɪˈteɪʃən/
hes · i · ta · tion
Adverb:hesitantly
•
Plural:hesitations
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Adjective:hesitant
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hesitation Lexical Profile

hesitation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The action of pausing or delaying before saying or doing something, typically out of uncertainty, doubt, or reluctance.

Example

"After a brief moment of hesitation, she signed the contract and accepted the position."

2

A tendency to falter or pause in speech; a stammer.

Example

"The actor spoke his lines clearly and without a single hesitation."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for hesitation

• Nearby Words

hesitantly
hesitate
hesitatingly
hesitation
hesitator
hesperantha
hesperis

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late Middle English period from Latin haesitatio, derived from the verb haesitare ('to stick fast' or 'to stammer'), a frequentative form of haerere ('to cling' or 'to adhere').

Cite this Entry

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