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REFERENCE

hesitate

v.
US //ˈhɛzəˌteɪt// UK //hˈɛsɪtˌeɪt// hes·i·tate
  1. 1 to pause before acting (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to pause for a short time before you do something because you are not sure if it is right.

    to pause or hold back in uncertainty or indecision before performing an action.

    Example

    She hesitated for a moment before opening the letter from the university.

    Example

    The investor hesitated to commit more capital to the project until the market showed clearer signs of recovery.

    Usage

    Often followed by the infinitive 'to' or the preposition 'about'.
    Pitfall
    I hesitated for asking him for help.
    I hesitated to ask him for help.

    The verb hesitate is followed by an infinitive (to + verb), not 'for' + gerund.

  2. 2 to pause while speaking (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to pause while you are talking because you are nervous or having trouble finding the right words.

    to falter or pause during speech, often due to nervousness or a search for appropriate phrasing.

    Example

    He hesitated during his speech when he forgot the name of the guest.

    Example

    The witness hesitated before answering the prosecutor's question, carefully weighing the implications of her testimony.

    Usage

    Intransitive; describes the manner of speaking rather than the content.
Origin

Borrowed from Latin haesitātus, perfect passive participle of haesitō (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), intensive of haereō (“to hesitate, stick fast; to hang or hold fast”). Displaced native Old English wandian. Compare French hésiter.

Word family

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