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hesitateto pause before doing or saying something, especially because you are uncertain or nervous

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to pause before doing or saying something, especially because you are uncertain or nervous

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈhezɪteɪt/

Example Sentences

  • I hesitated before eating the suspicious-looking pizza slice.
  • Don't hesitate to call me if you need any help.
  • He hesitated when asked to sing karaoke in front of his crush.

hesitate

VERB

[/ˈhezɪteɪt/]

to pause before doing or saying something, especially because you are uncertain or nervous

She hesitates at the edge of the diving board, toes curled tight.
💡 Concept

She hesitates at the edge of the diving board, toes curled tight.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈhezɪteɪt/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈhezɪteɪt/

🌳Etymology

Roothesit
Suffix--ate

🎵Rhyme

meditateimitateagitate
meditate
imitate
agitate

🔗Collocations

hesitate to do
hesitate for a moment
don't hesitate
hesitate before answering
hesitate slightly
never hesitate

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

I hesitated before eating the suspicious-looking pizza slice.

Don't hesitate to call me if you need any help.

😄 Fun example

He hesitated when asked to sing karaoke in front of his crush.

She never hesitates to speak her mind during meetings.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

pausedelaywaverdoubtdeliberate

Antonyms

rushdecideact

Related

hesitationhesitantindecisiveuncertain

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