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
Derived from the verb 'zögern' (to hesitate) with the adjectival suffix '-lich'.
Memory Tips
Think of someone 'lingering' and being slow to act, which has a similar feel to 'zögerlich'.