B2verb 1K

Hesitate

🇬🇧 UK //ˈhɛzɪteɪt// 🇺🇸 US //ˈhɛzɪˌteɪt//

Meaning of Hesitate

To pause before taking action due to uncertainty.

In simple words: To pause before doing something.

Hesitate in a sentence

• I always hesitate to make big decisions without consulting my friends.
• She didn't hesitate to accept the job offer when it came.
• Don't hesitate to reach out if you need help.
• He seemed to hesitate before answering the question.
• When asked to speak in public, many people hesitate.
• I hesitate to share my opinion because I worry about judgment.

How to use Hesitate

Use 'hesitate' when expressing uncertainty or indecision. It's appropriate in both casual and formal conversations.

Grammar pattern

hesitate + to + verb / hesitate + (object)

Memory hint

Think of 'hesitation' as taking a 'pause' before action.

Related words

Collocations with Hesitate

• hesitate to respond
• hesitate before acting
• hesitate in making decisions

Synonyms for Hesitate

• pause
• wavering
• doubt
• stall

Opposites of Hesitate

• decide
• act
• proceed

Common mistakes with Hesitate

• Confusing 'hesitate' with 'wait' - 'hesitate' implies uncertainty, while 'wait' does not.
• Using 'hesitate' without 'to' before a verb.
• Forgetting to include the 'to' form after 'hesitate'.

Frequently asked questions about Hesitate

What does Hesitate mean?

To pause before doing something.

What is the definition of Hesitate?

To pause before taking action due to uncertainty.

How do you use Hesitate in a sentence?

I always hesitate to make big decisions without consulting my friends.

Can you give another example of Hesitate?

She didn't hesitate to accept the job offer when it came.

What are synonyms for Hesitate?

Common alternatives include pause, wavering, doubt, stall.

What is the opposite of Hesitate?

Opposite meanings include decide, act, proceed.

What words go with Hesitate?

It commonly pairs with hesitate to respond, hesitate before acting, hesitate in making decisions.

What are common mistakes when using Hesitate?

Confusing 'hesitate' with 'wait' - 'hesitate' implies uncertainty, while 'wait' does not. Using 'hesitate' without 'to' before a verb. Forgetting to include the 'to' form after 'hesitate'.

How do you pronounce Hesitate?

US: //ˈhɛzɪˌteɪt//, UK: //ˈhɛzɪteɪt//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Hesitate?

Use 'hesitate' when expressing uncertainty or indecision. It's appropriate in both casual and formal conversations.

What CEFR level is Hesitate?

"Hesitate" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.