hesitate

//ˈhɛzɪteɪt//
B1Frequency Level 9Neutral
Visual representation of hesitate

Verb

hesitateInfinitive
hesitatePresent tense
hesitatedPast tense
hesitatedPast participle
hesitatingPresent participle
hesitatesThird-person singular
1

To pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness before doing something.

She hesitated before answering the difficult question.

2

To be reluctant or unwilling to do something.

Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

3

To stammer or falter in speech.

She hesitated when asked about her plans.

hesitate - Deep Vocabulary