Words / B1

HEZ-it-ayt/ˈhezɪteɪt/

To hesitate is to pause because you are not sure. Don’t hesitate to contact us is a standard email line. Pause can be any short stop; hesitate always includes doubt. Hesitation is the noun. Hesitant is the adjective: a hesitant answer.

Meaning

To pause before doing something because you are not sure.

Examples

• “Don’t hesitate to ask if you need help.”
• “She hesitated before signing the contract.”
• “If you need a receipt, do not hesitate to ask.”

Good to know

hesitate to + verb. Noun: hesitation. Adjective: hesitant.

Near in meaning

pause

New