Dictionary
hesitant
adjective hes·i·tant \ˈhe-zə-tənt\
: slow to act or speak especially because you are nervous or unsure about what to do : feeling or showing hesitation
Full Definition of HESITANT
: tending to hesitate : slow to act or proceed
— hes·i·tant·ly adverb
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First Known Use of HESITANT
1647
Related to HESITANT
Synonym Discussion of HESITANT
disinclined, hesitant, reluctant, loath, averse mean lacking the will or desire to do something indicated. disinclined implies lack of taste for or inclination <disinclined to move again> <disinclined for reading>. hesitant implies a holding back especially through fear or uncertainty <hesitant about asking for a date>. reluctant implies a holding back through unwillingness <a reluctant witness>. loath implies hesitancy because of conflict with one's opinions, predilections, or liking <seems loath to trust anyone>. averse implies a holding back from or avoiding because of distaste or repugnance <averse to hard work> <not averse to an occasional drink>.
HESITANT Defined for Kids
hesitant
adjective hes·i·tant \ˈhe-zə-tənt\
Definition of HESITANT for Kids
: feeling or showing unwillingness to do something because of doubt or nervousness <I was hesitant to join in.>
— hes·i·tant·ly adverb <Toby read … hesitantly, as if he didn't really believe what he was saying … — Zilpha Keatley Snyder, The Egypt Game>
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