Hesitate | A word a day
Hesitate (verb)
To hesitate is to stop or pause briefly.
- The driver hesitated for a moment at the intersection and then turned right.
- People hesitate to do something when they are unsure of the outcome.
- He hesitated to pay the bill. (= He was reluctant to pay the bill.)
Hesitant (adjective)
Hesitant can mean reluctant, half-hearted, irresolute, wavering etc.
- Why are you so hesitant about asking for directions?
- He was hesitant to help.
Antonyms: eager, resolute, keen, willing, steadfast, decisive, confident, staunch etc.
