zögerlich
Translation
hesitant, reluctant, tentative
Examples
Er gab eine zögerliche Antwort.
He gave a hesitant answer.
Sie stimmte nur zögerlich zu.
She only agreed reluctantly.
Grammar Patterns
to be/act/answer + zögerlich (hesitantly) He answered very hesitantly.
Similar Words
Synonyms: unentschlossen, zaudernd; Antonyms: entschlossen, entschieden
Etymology
From the verb 'zögern' (to hesitate) plus the adjective-forming suffix '-lich'.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone 'lingering' and taking their time before acting, which sounds a bit like 'zögerlich'.