Reading Theme:
Hesitation: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：pause from uncertainty (hesitation)
hesitation
/ˌhezɪˈteɪʃən/
n.
A short pause or moment of stopping before you do or say something, because you are unsure.
pause from uncertainty
➕
/pɔːz frəm ʌnˈsɜːtɪnti/
n.
A brief stop or delay in action or speech caused by being unsure or doubtful.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'haesitationem' (hesitation/doubt), from 'haesitare' (to hesitate), related to 'haerere' (to stick).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'He sits action' – the word sounds like someone sitting and pausing before acting.
📖 Example
He opened the door, but after a moment of hesitation, he decided to walk away quietly.
He opened the door, but after a moment of hesitation, he decided to walk away quietly.
🔗 Collocations
without hesitation – immediately and without any doubt
a moment of hesitation – a short pause due to uncertainty
show hesitation – display signs of being unsure
🔄 Synonyms
doubt (n.) – a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction
indecision (n.) – the inability to make a decision quickly
uncertainty (n.) – the state of being unsure about something
🚫 Antonyms
confidence (n.) – the feeling of being certain about something
decisiveness (n.) – the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively
🌱 Derivatives
hesitate (v.) – to pause before doing something because of doubt
hesitant (adj.) – showing hesitation or reluctance
hesitantly (adv.) – in a hesitant manner
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'haesitare', meaning to stick or hesitate. Entered English in the 16th century, commonly used to describe uncertainty in decisions, frequent in psychology, business, and daily speech.
Meaning 2：state of doubt (hesitation)
hesitation
/ˌhezɪˈteɪʃən/
n.
The feeling of not being sure or the state of having doubts about something.
state of doubt
➕
/steɪt əv daʊt/
n.
The emotional condition of being unsure or having reservations about a decision or situation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She felt a deep sense of hesitation about accepting the job offer in another city, worrying about leaving her family.
She felt a deep sense of hesitation about accepting the job offer in another city, worrying about leaving her family.
🔗 Collocations
sense of hesitation – a feeling of being unsure
overcome hesitation – to move past feelings of doubt
inner hesitation – internal doubts or reservations
🔄 Synonyms
dubiety (n.) – the state of being doubtful or uncertain
misgiving (n.) – a feeling of doubt or apprehension
reluctance (n.) – unwillingness to do something
🚫 Antonyms
assurance (n.) – confidence or certainty in one's abilities
conviction (n.) – a firmly held belief or opinion
Wordbook
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