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Glite Dictionary
hesitating

hesitating

1 3.4
Slow to speak or act because unsure what to do
  • adjective
  • /ˈhɛzɪˌteɪtɪŋ/
: titubeante
  • His voice was hesitating as he tried to explain his decision to the audience.

Examples

Synonyms

reluctant
vshesitating
216 3.5

Not willing to do something because you feel unsure

is slow from uncertainty and unsure choice rather than unwillingness to act
hesitant
vshesitating
72 3.2

Slow to act or speak because you feel unsure

is slow from unsure decision making and lack of firmness rather than low confidence
indecisive
vshesitating
18 4.3

Slow to choose and unsure about what to do

is about slow action or speech from uncertainty rather than general decision failure
wavering
vshesitating
6 5.3

Hesitating and unsure about a decision or action

is slow in acting or speaking because of uncertainty rather than unsteadiness
timorous
vshesitating
  • Formal
1 8.6

Feeling nervous and lacking confidence in new situations

is slow because of unsure choices rather than primarily from fear
irresolute
vshesitating
1 8.2

Not able to make clear decisions quickly

is slow to act or speak due to uncertainty rather than merely low determination
trepid
vshesitating
1 9.9

Feeling nervous and afraid to do something new

is slow from unsure choice rather than mainly being fearful or timid
hedgy
vshesitating
1 8.8

Does not give clear answers and avoids commitment

is slow from uncertainty rather than deliberately avoiding clear answers
wavery
vshesitating
1 7.3

Not firm in what someone says and does

is slow to act or speak from unsure choice rather than only showing it
unassured
vshesitating
1 6.3

Not confident and acting unsure

is slow because of unsure choices and lack of firmness not just low confidence

Antonyms

certain
722 1.0

Feeling sure and having no doubt

decisive
39 3.7

Able to choose quickly and firmly

resolute
22 4.9

Determined to do something and not likely to change

How Hesitant

wavering
6 5.3
indecisive
18 4.3
hesitating
1 3.4
tentative
55 5.1

Surface Forms

hesitating positive

Morphology

hesitating = hesitate (transparent) = hesitate + ing

Standard adjectival/participial formation from the verb 'hesitate' with no significant semantic shift.

Etymology

The word hesitating comes from the old Latin verb haesitare, which meant 'to stick' or 'hold back', so to hesitate is like being 'stuck' and unable to move or speak. This image explains why someone who is hesitating is slow to decide or say something.