hesitation
pronunciation
How to pronounce hesitation in British English:
UK [ˌhezɪˈteɪʃn]
How to pronounce hesitation in American English:
US [ˌhezɪˈteɪʃn]
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- Noun:
- indecision in speech or action
- a certain degree of unwillingness
- the act of pausing uncertainly
Word Origin
- hesitation (n.)
- c. 1400, from Old French hesitacion or directly from Latin haesitationem (nominative haesitatio) "a hesitation, stammering," figuratively "irresolution, uncertainty," noun of action from past participle stem of haesitare "stick fast, remain fixed; stammer in speech," figuratively "hesitate, be irresolute, be at a loss, be undecided," frequentative of haerere "stick, cling," from PIE *ghais-e (source also of Lithuanian gaistu "to delay, tarry"), from root *ghais- "to adhere; hesitate."
Example
- 1. Children live by their instincts openly and without hesitation .
- 2. When I rapidly threw out words at him , he replied without the slightest hesitation .
- 3. Each time I visit china I am struck by the hesitation .
- 4. Yet the hesitation is understandable .
- 5. The palmist 's hesitation is wise .