What is hesitate? Pronunciation and usage in English

hesitate means . Learn how to pronounce and use hesitate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of hesitate

hesitateverb

/ˈhɛzɪteɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of hesitate

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "hesitate" in English. It can be a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "hesitate" is typically divided into three syllables:

  • he - s (like "he" as in "hello")
  • ta - te (like “ta” as in “table” followed by “te” as in “test”)
  • te - ate (like “te” as in “test” followed by “ate” as in “late”)

2. Phonetics (Sounds):

Here’s a more detailed phonetic breakdown (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA, which is more precise):

  • he - /hi/ (as in "hi")
  • sa - /sə/ (a short, unstressed "uh" sound - like the "a" in "about")
  • te - /teɪ/ (as in "tay")
  • ate - /eɪt/ (as in "eight")

3. Putting it Together:

So, when spoken, it sounds like this: hi-SAH-tay-ate

4. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable: "HEH-sih-tay."
  • The "sa" sound: This is often the trickiest part. It’s a short, subtle “uh” sound – don't over-emphasize it. It’s like a brief pause before "tay."
  • The "ate" sound: Make sure it's a clear "eight" sound.

Resources to Listen:

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Usage and examples with the word hesitate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "hesitate" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances, so understanding those distinctions is key.

1. Core Meaning: To Pause Before Acting or Speaking

  • Definition: "Hesitate" means to pause briefly before doing something or speaking, often because of uncertainty, nervousness, or doubt. It suggests a slight reluctance or delay.

  • Examples:

    • “I hesitated before answering the phone – I wasn't sure who it was.” (Pause due to uncertainty)
    • “He hesitated for a moment before taking the plunge and quitting his job.” (Pause due to fear or doubt)
    • “She hesitated to speak, clearly embarrassed.” (Pause due to nervousness)

2. As a Verb (Most Common Usage)

  • Transitive (taking an object): You can hesitate something.

    • “He hesitated to speak his mind.” (He hesitated to do something - speak)
    • “She hesitated to accept the offer.” (She hesitated to do something - accept)

  • Intransitive (not taking an object): It often describes the action itself.

    • “I hesitated, then walked out.” (No object – simply describing the action of pausing.)

3. As an Adjective (Describing a State)

  • Definition: "Hesitant" is the adjective form of hesitate. It describes someone who hesitates.

  • Examples:

    • “He gave a hesitant reply.” (He replied with a pause and uncertainty.)
    • “She was a hesitant driver, always careful to check her mirrors.” (She was a person who tended to pause before driving.)

4. Phrases Using "Hesitate"

  • “Hesitate to”: This is a very common construction.

    • “I hesitate to criticize, but…” (Expressing reluctance to criticize)
    • "Don't hesitate to ask for help." (Encouraging someone not to pause before asking)

  • “Hesitate for a moment” / “Hesitate briefly”: Emphasizes the short duration of the pause.

  • “Hesitate before…”: Indicates an action that requires a pause. (e.g., "He hesitated before entering the room.")

5. Synonyms

  • Delay
  • Pause
  • Struggle
  • Waver
  • Vacillate (more formal – to go back and forth between options)
  • Dither (similar to vacillate - suggests indecision)

Here’s a table summarizing the different ways to use "hesitate":

Form Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb Verb To pause briefly “I hesitated before answering.”
Verb Verb (Trans.) To hesitate something “He hesitated to speak his mind.”
Adjective Adjective Indicating a state of hesitation “She gave a hesitant reply.”

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Synonyms for the word hesitate

Idioms of the word hesitate

he who hesitates (is lost)
(saying)if you delay in doing something you may lose a good opportunity

    Practice with vocabulary hesitate

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. Before making such a significant financial investment, it's natural to _______ and consider all potential risks.
    2. Please do not _______ to contact our support team if you encounter any technical difficulties.
    3. The board meeting was _______ until next month to allow for further data analysis.
    4. When presenting a controversial idea, it's crucial to _______ your words carefully to avoid misunderstanding.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers)

    1. When confronted with a moral dilemma, a person might naturally _______ before deciding on a course of action. a) proceed immediately b) hesitate c) rush forward d) waver
    2. Employees are encouraged not to _______ to ask for clarification if project instructions are unclear. a) complain b) hesitate c) disregard d) ignore
    3. The deadline for the research proposal was _______ due to unforeseen logistical challenges. a) initiated b) concluded c) postponed d) commenced
    4. Despite being well-prepared, the public speaker couldn't help but _______ slightly before beginning her keynote address. a) confidently assert b) pause c) boldly state d) hesitate
    5. He was rather _______ about accepting the new role because it involved frequent international travel. a) eager b) keen c) reluctant d) enthusiastic

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. She was unwilling to sign the contract without a thorough review by her legal team.
      • Rewrite using "hesitate":
    2. Before expressing her doubts about the new policy, the junior manager paused briefly.
      • Rewrite using "hesitate" or a related word form:
    3. The engineers were unsure about the structural integrity of the old bridge.
      • Rewrite without using "hesitate":

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. Before making such a significant financial investment, it's natural to hesitate and consider all potential risks.
    2. Please do not hesitate to contact our support team if you encounter any technical difficulties.
    3. The board meeting was postponed until next month to allow for further data analysis.
    4. When presenting a controversial idea, it's crucial to choose your words carefully to avoid misunderstanding.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. b) hesitate, d) waver
    2. b) hesitate
    3. c) postponed
    4. b) pause, d) hesitate
    5. c) reluctant

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. She hesitated to sign the contract without a thorough review by her legal team.
    2. Before expressing her doubts about the new policy, the junior manager hesitated briefly.
    3. The engineers doubted the structural integrity of the old bridge.

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