ha-nasi
B2Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
to pause before doing something, especially because you are uncertain, nervous, or unwilling.
To be reluctant or slow in acting, deciding, or speaking; to show indecision or doubt.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a momentary pause due to doubt, fear, or scruple. Can be used literally (physically stopping) and figuratively (mental indecision).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. 'Hesitate' is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both; can imply prudence or indecisiveness depending on context.
Frequency
Equally common and natural in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
hesitate to do somethinghesitate about/over somethinghesitate (for) a moment/minutehesitate before doing somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He who hesitates is lost.”
- “Don't hesitate to ask.”
- “Without a moment's hesitation.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions." (Common in emails)
Academic
The study's authors did not hesitate to challenge the prevailing theory.
Everyday
"Do you want the last biscuit?" "Well, I don't like to hesitate... yes please!"
Technical
The emergency system is designed to activate without hesitation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She didn't hesitate before diving into the chilly water.
- If you need any help, please don't hesitate to ring.
American English
- He hesitated for a second before answering the tough question.
- Don't hesitate to call if you have a problem.
adverb
British English
- He walked hesitantly towards the manager's office.
- She answered the question hesitantly, checking her notes.
American English
- The child reached out hesitantly to touch the puppy.
- He spoke hesitantly about his future plans.
adjective
British English
- She gave a hesitant smile, unsure of her welcome.
- His hesitant manner suggested a lack of confidence.
American English
- The hesitant driver caused a traffic jam.
- We heard a hesitant knock on the door.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He hesitated before opening the door.
- Don't hesitate to ask for water.
- The government should not hesitate to invest in renewable energy.
- She hesitated for a moment, then told him the truth.
- I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this restaurant to anyone.
- Historians have long hesitated to attribute the work to a single author.
- The CEO's hesitating response to the crisis damaged investor confidence.
- Few would hesitate to call his conduct a blatant breach of protocol.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HE SIT ATE. Picture someone about to eat a strange meal; they HE, then SIT, then ATE — but they HESITATE first.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDECISION IS PHYSICAL STOPPING / DOUBT IS AN OBSTACLE IN MOTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating Russian 'колебаться' for inanimate objects (e.g., 'The needle hesitated' is unnatural).
- Russian 'не стесняйтесь' maps to 'Don't hesitate to...' as a polite invitation.
- The construction 'hesitate + infinitive' (to hesitate to do) is the most common, not 'hesitate about doing', though both exist.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I hesitate buying it.' Correct: 'I hesitate to buy it.' or 'I hesitate about buying it.'
- Overusing 'hesitate' for simple pauses with no element of doubt/reluctance.
- Incorrect collocation: 'hesitate of doing'.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'hesitate' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While fear or nervousness can cause hesitation, it can also stem from simple uncertainty, politeness ('I hesitate to disagree...'), or wanting to be careful and prudent.
A 'pause' is a neutral stop, often for rest or effect. 'Hesitate' implies the pause is due to doubt, reluctance, or indecision. You might pause to take a breath, but you hesitate because you're unsure.
Yes. Phrases like 'don't hesitate to...' are polite and encouraging. Also, hesitating can be seen as wise or cautious, as in 'He who hesitates is... sometimes saved from a mistake.'
The most frequent is 'hesitate to + infinitive' (e.g., hesitate to ask). 'Hesitate about/over + noun/gerund' is also correct (e.g., hesitate about the cost, hesitate over signing).