hesitate
Translation
to hesitate, to waver, to pause
Examples
He hesitated before answering the question.
He hesitated before answering the question.
Don't hesitate to ask for help.
Don't hesitate to ask for help.
Grammar Patterns
((to-inf)) to pause before doing sth. Don't hesitate to ask for help.
((about/over sth.)) to be reluctant about sth. She hesitated over her decision.
Similar Words
Synonyms: waver, falter, pause; Antonyms: decide, proceed
Etymology
From Latin 'haesitare', meaning 'to stick fast, to stammer in speech'.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone saying 'Heh...' and then stopping, unsure of what to say next. That's hesitating.