Words / B2

HEZ-it-uh-nt/ˈhezɪtənt/

Hesitant means slow to speak or act because you are uncertain or unwilling: hesitant to sign; a hesitant start. Reluctant is a close twin (already in the dictionary); uncertain is broader. She was hesitant to sign; still record the abstention. Mix-up: heritage; hesitate (the verb). Do not write hesitant for a firm, timed refusal in the minutes.

Meaning

Slow to speak or act because you are uncertain or unwilling.

Examples

• “She was hesitant to sign, the minutes said; still record the abstention.”
• “A hesitant start featured in the race report, which is the slow-to-begin sense.”

Good to know

hesitant to + verb; a hesitant start / voice. Verb: hesitate. Close: reluctant / uncertain. Trap: heritage. News, orals, and citizenship. Uncertain and slow to act, not a final no.

Near in meaning

uncertain, wavering, reluctant

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