How Do You Spell HESITATE?

Pronunciation: [hˈɛsɪtˌe͡ɪt] (IPA)

The word "hesitate" is spelled with a silent "h" at the beginning, and the "s" is also silent. The first syllable is pronounced "hez-" with a short "e" sound, followed by "i-" pronounced as in "sit", and then "-tate" with a long "a" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription of "hesitate" is /ˈhɛz.ɪ.teɪt/. It's important to remember this spelling to avoid confusing it with "hesitate's" homophones, like "hesitant" and "hesitance."

HESITATE Meaning and Definition

  1. Hesitate is a verb that refers to the act of pausing or having doubts before taking action or making a decision. It is characterized by a temporary delay, uncertainty, or reluctance in responding or proceeding. When someone hesitates, they may hesitate internally, experiencing a momentary mental conflict or debate, or they may physically pause or falter in their actions.

    Hesitation can arise from various reasons, including fear, insecurity, indecisiveness, lack of confidence, or unfamiliarity with the situation. It can also result from carefully considering the potential consequences or weighing the available options before committing to a course of action.

    Hesitation can manifest in different ways, such as a brief pause in speech, a momentary delay in responding to a question, or a sudden self-consciousness during a performance or presentation. It is often seen as an indication of ambivalence, caution, or a need for further consideration.

    While hesitation can be a natural response in certain situations, it can also be seen as a hindrance to progress or effective decision-making. Overcoming hesitation typically requires a strong sense of self-assurance, clarity of purpose, and trust in one's abilities or judgment.

    Overall, hesitating plays a crucial role in human behavior and cognition, allowing individuals to reflect, assess risks, and ultimately make well-informed choices.

  2. To pause respecting decision or action; to be in doubt; to delay; to waver; to stammer in speech.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for HESITATE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for HESITATE

Etymology of HESITATE

The word "hesitate" originated from the Latin verb "haesitare" meaning "to stick fast, halt, hesitate". It is derived from the root word "haerere", which means "to stick, cling". The word entered Old French as "hesiter", retaining a similar meaning. Over time, "hesitate" evolved into its present form in the English language.

Idioms with the word HESITATE

  • hesitate over sth To "hesitate over sth" means to pause or show uncertainty or reluctance while making a decision or taking action regarding something. It indicates being in a state of doubt or indecisiveness before proceeding.
  • hesitate over something The idiom "hesitate over something" means to be indecisive or uncertain about making a decision, taking action, or committing to a particular course of action or choice. It suggests a state of pause or delay due to doubts, hesitations, or conflicting considerations.
  • If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask "If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask" is an idiomatic expression used to convey one's willingness to assist or help someone. It emphasizes the importance of being open and available for any requests or needs that the other person might have. It is often spoken as a polite offer of assistance, suggesting that the person should not feel reluctant or shy in asking for help or support.

Similar spelling words for HESITATE

Conjugate verb Hesitate

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have hesitated
you would have hesitated
he/she/it would have hesitated
we would have hesitated
they would have hesitated
I would have hesitate
you would have hesitate
he/she/it would have hesitate
we would have hesitate
they would have hesitate

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been hesitating
you would have been hesitating
he/she/it would have been hesitating
we would have been hesitating
they would have been hesitating

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would hesitate
you would hesitate
he/she/it would hesitate
we would hesitate
they would hesitate

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be hesitating
you would be hesitating
he/she/it would be hesitating
we would be hesitating
they would be hesitating

FUTURE

I will hesitate
you will hesitate
he/she/it will hesitate
we will hesitate
they will hesitate

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be hesitating
you will be hesitating
he/she/it will be hesitating
we will be hesitating
they will be hesitating

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have hesitated
you will have hesitated
he/she/it will have hesitated
we will have hesitated
they will have hesitated

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been hesitating
you will have been hesitating
he/she/it will have been hesitating
we will have been hesitating
they will have been hesitating

IMPERATIVE

you hesitate
we let´s hesitate

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to hesitate

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was hesitating
you were hesitating
he/she/it was hesitating
we were hesitating
they were hesitating

PAST PARTICIPLE

hesitated

PAST PERFECT

I had hesitated
you had hesitated
he/she/it had hesitated
we had hesitated
they had hesitated

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been hesitating
you had been hesitating
he/she/it had been hesitating
we had been hesitating
they had been hesitating

PRESENT

I hesitate
you hesitate
he/she/it hesitates
we hesitate
they hesitate

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am hesitating
you are hesitating
he/she/it is hesitating
we are hesitating
they are hesitating

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

hesitating

PRESENT PERFECT

I have hesitated
you have hesitated
he/she/it has hesitated
we have hesitated
they have hesitated

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been hesitating
you have been hesitating
he/she/it has been hesitating
we have been hesitating
they have been hesitating

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it hesitate

SIMPLE PAST

I hesitated
you hesitated
he/she/it hesitated
we hesitated
they hesitated

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