hesitate
Translation
to hesitate, to pause, to be reluctant
Examples
She hesitated for a moment.
She hesitated for a moment.
Don't hesitate to ask for help.
Don't hesitate to ask for help.
Grammar Patterns
to hesitate ((for a moment/before -ing)) to pause before doing or saying sth. She hesitated before answering.
to hesitate ((to-inf)) to be reluctant to do sth. Don't hesitate to ask for help.
Similar Words
Synonyms: pause, waver, falter; Antonyms: decide, proceed, act
Etymology
From Latin 'haesitare', meaning 'to stick fast, to stammer'.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone saying 'hesi... tate...' slowly, as if they are hesitating to speak.