hesitant

/'hezitənt/

Thân thiện

She is hesitant to cross the busy street.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking decisiveness of character; unable to act or decide quickly or firmly: Describes a person or their behavior that shows uncertainty, reluctance, or a pause before taking action or making a choice.

Usage

The word "hesitant" is used to describe a state of indecision or reluctance. It often modifies a person or their actions (e.g., a hesitant person, a hesitant reply). It is commonly followed by the preposition "to" + verb (e.g., hesitant to speak) or "about" + noun/gerund (e.g., hesitant about the plan).

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She was hesitant to accept the job offer without knowing all the details.
  • He gave a hesitant answer, unsure if it was correct.
  • The government has been hesitant about implementing the new policy.

Advanced Usage

• "to be hesitant to do something": To be reluctant or unwilling to perform a specific action due to doubt or caution.
  • Investors are often hesitant to put money into unstable markets.
• "to be hesitant about something": To feel uncertain or doubtful regarding a particular thing or idea.
  • I'm still hesitant about the safety of this procedure.

Variants and Related Words

• Hesitate (verb): To pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness.
  • He did not hesitate to ask for help.
• Hesitantly (adverb): In a hesitant manner.
  • She nodded hesitantly.
• Hesitancy (noun): The quality or state of being hesitant.
  • There was a moment of hesitancy before he answered.

Synonyms

• Indecisive: Not able to make decisions quickly and effectively.
• Reluctant: Unwilling and hesitant; disinclined.
• Tentative: Not certain or fixed; provisional; done without confidence.
• Wavering: Becoming unsteady or unsure; fluctuating.

Antonyms

• Decisive: Settling an issue; producing a definite result; able to make decisions quickly and effectively.
• Confident: Feeling or showing certainty about something.
• Resolute: Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. lacking decisiveness of character; unable to act or decide quickly or firmly

Từ đồng nghĩa

• hesitating