reluctant
Translation
unwilling, hesitant, disinclined
Examples
He was reluctant to leave.
He was unwilling to leave.
She gave a reluctant smile.
She gave an unwilling smile.
Grammar Patterns
((to be)) reluctant ((to-inf)) to be unwilling to do (sth.) He was reluctant to leave.
a reluctant ((noun)) an unwilling (noun) She gave a reluctant smile.
Similar Words
Synonyms: unwilling, hesitant; Antonyms: willing, eager
Etymology
From Latin 're-' (against) + 'luctari' (to struggle). The original meaning is 'to struggle against'.
Memory Tips
Picture someone struggling or fighting back ('luctari') against ('re-') doing something.