Meaning of hesitate in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈhɛzəˌteɪt/

   US accent

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   UK accent

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1. Verb

   hesitate

   Etymology

   early 17th century: from Latin haesitat-‘stuck fast, left undecided’, from the verb haesitare, from haerere‘stick, stay’

   Definitions

   1. pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

   Examples

   • « Authorities hesitate to quote exact figures »
2. 2. interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

   Examples

   • « The speaker paused »