World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesHesitant
/ˈhɛz.ɪ.tənt/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
Tentative, unsure, or slow in acting or speaking due to uncertainty, fear, or indecision.
"She was hesitant to accept the new job offer without knowing the full details." - 2
Marked by a lack of promptness or certainty in making a choice.
"There was a hesitant silence in the room before anyone raised their hand."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Latin verb 'haesitare', meaning to stick, remain fixed, or hesitate, which is a frequentative form of 'haerere' (to cling). Entering the English language in the late 16th century via French, it evolved to describe a temporary pause or state of indecision before action or speech.
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10 Global Lexicons: How "Hesitant" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
hésitant
Transliteration: e.zi.tɑ̃
"Il était hésitant à l'idée de signer le contrat."
zögernd
Transliteration: ˈtsøːɡɐnt
"Er war zögernd, als er die Einladung bekam."
esitante
Transliteration: e.ziˈtan.te
"Era esitante prima di fare il primo passo."
vacilante
Transliteration: ba.siˈlan.te
"Estaba vacilante sobre qué camino tomar."
hesitante
Transliteration: e.ziˈtɐ̃.tʃi
"Ele estava hesitante em dar a resposta."
संकोची
Transliteration: sankochi
"वह अपनी बात कहने में संकोची था।"
犹豫的
Transliteration: yóuyù de
"他在做决定时显得很犹豫。"
망설이는
Transliteration: mangseorineun
"그는 대답하기를 망설였다."
ためらう
Transliteration: tamerau
Script: 躊躇う
"彼は返事をするのをためらっていた。"
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