210 Another Word for Hesitate? – Hesitate Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say hesitate differently? Here are other words for hesitate and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of hesitate

The primary meaning of the word "hesitate" is to pause or stop before doing something because you are unsure or do not want to do it.

Etymology of hesitate

The word "hesitate" comes from the Latin "haesitare", which means "to stick" or "to stumble", and is related to "haerere", which means "to stick" or "to cling"
The word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe a pause or delay in action or speech

Synonyms

pause delay falter waver vacillate hesitate stutter stammer linger loiter tarry dawdle procrastinate stall slow slacken drag linger hover oscillate fluctuate teeter tremble shilly-shally hum haw demur balk recoil shrink flinch blanch quail wince baulk hang back hold back draw back pull back recoil shy shy away avoid evade elude eschew shun abstain refrain desist cease stop discontinue break off give up.

Definitions

  • To stop or pause before doing something, especially because you are not sure or do not want to do it
  • To speak or act in a way that shows you are not sure or decided
  • To be slow or unwilling to do something

Usage Examples

  • I hesitated before making the decision to quit my job
  • She hesitated for a moment before answering the question
  • He hesitated to ask for help, but eventually he realized he needed it
  • The company hesitated to invest in the new project, citing financial concerns

Antonyms

decide act do proceed continue persevere persist carry on go on press on push on rush hurry speed hasten accelerate facilitate ease aid assist help cooperate concur agree acquiesce comply obey respond react initiate begin start commence launch embark.

Related Adjectives

undecided uncertain doubtful fearful anxious apprehensive reluctant unwilling disinclined averse distasteful disagreeable dubious hesitant faltering wavering trembling quivering shuddering vacillating fluctuating oscillating irresolute indecisive hesitant half-hearted lukewarm unenthusiastic apathetic lethargic sluggish slow tardy late belated.

Related Nouns

decision pause delay hesitation indecision uncertainty doubt fear anxiety apprehension misgiving qualm scruple reluctance unwillingness disinclination aversion distaste dislike doubtfulness dubiousness uncertainty indecisiveness irresoluteness vacillation fluctuation oscillation wavering trembling quivering shuddering.

Related Verbs

pause delay falter waver vacillate stutter stammer linger loiter tarry dawdle procrastinate stall slow slacken drag hesitate hover oscillate fluctuate teeter tremble shilly-shally hum haw demur balk recoil shrink flinch blanch quail wince baulk hang back hold back draw back pull back recoil shy shy away avoid evade elude eschew shun abstain refrain desist cease stop discontinue break off give up.
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