hesitance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hesitance" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a noun that means the act or state of being hesitant or indecisive. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing someone's behavior, actions, or thoughts. Example 1: Her hesitance to speak up during the meeting made it difficult for the team to come to a decision. Example 2: The candidate's hesitance to answer questions about their past experiences raised concerns about their qualifications for the job. Example 3: Despite his initial hesitance, he eventually agreed to try the new sport during his vacation. Example 4: Her hesitance to trust others stemmed from past experiences of betrayal. Example 5: The child's hesitance to enter the dark room was understandable, as they were afraid of monsters.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Publicly, the Japanese manufacturer is saying that Britain's hesitance about EMU was not an important element in its decision.

The Economist

Its hesitance has put it in a sort of Catch-22.

The Economist

Card check opponents took their hesitance for weakness, and raised the profile of card check with TV ads, guerrilla campaigns against Democratic candidates, and polls that showed "eliminating the secret ballot" to be about as popular as selling off Senate seats.

The Economist

His hesitance probably springs from a fear of being marginalised and the need to keep his fragile non-Pashtun coalition together.

The Economist

Whitgift had no hesitance in closing down the prophesyings, but he proceeded with caution in formal prosecution of Puritans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Explaining the reasons for her choice, Rowling wrote on her website: "My hesitance at embracing independence has nothing to do with lack of belief in Scotland's remarkable people or its achievements.

Independent

So there was a hesitance among the people there as to whether I was the right calibre of person to be there.

Independent

United have, however, been encouraged by news that Chelsea may accept any offer which breaks the £40m mark - despite Jose Mourinho's hesitance to sell to a Premier League rival - and are close to agreeing a fee with the Stamford Bridge club.

Independent

The hesitance of most Arab governments to join wholeheartedly in the American effort to bring down bin Laden, even though he is their sworn enemy, can be taken as evidence that they see a link between the way they treat him and the possibility of insurgency in their countries.

The New Yorker

This hesitance to reckon with the fullest implications of Ferguson was not confined to conservative critics.

The New Yorker

I understand and share his hesitance in the face of that danger (this computer has a delete key), yet that danger, successfully confronted, added an existential thrill to his art.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hesitance" when you want to emphasize a pause or delay caused by doubt, uncertainty, or reluctance. It accurately conveys a state of being hesitant.

Common error

Avoid using "hesitation" and "hesitance" interchangeably. While similar, "hesitance" refers to the state of being hesitant, whereas "hesitation" can also refer to a single instance of pausing or delaying.

Linguistic Context

The noun "hesitance" functions as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting the state of being hesitant or reluctant. Ludwig examples show it describing the cause or result of an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hesitance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that describes the state of being hesitant or reluctant. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure clarity, it's essential to distinguish "hesitance" from "hesitation". When writing, remember that "hesitance" is most effective when you want to emphasize a pause or delay caused by doubt or uncertainty. To add variety to your writing, consider using synonyms like "reluctance" or "indecision" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reluctance

Emphasizes unwillingness or disinclination to do something.

reservation

Implies a doubt or concern about something.

indecision

Highlights the inability to make a firm choice.

disinclination

Highlights a lack of enthusiasm or willingness.

wavering

Suggests a fluctuating or unsteady approach.

scruple

Focuses on ethical considerations causing the delay.

procrastination

Focuses on delaying or postponing actions.

delay

Indicates a temporary pause or postponement.

tardiness

Stresses slowness or lateness in acting.

suspension

Emphasizes the temporary cessation of an action.

FAQs

How can I use "hesitance" in a sentence?

You can use "hesitance" to describe a state of being hesitant or reluctant. For example, "Her hesitance to invest in the stock market was understandable given the economic climate."

What's a good alternative to "hesitance"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "reluctance", "indecision", or "reservation".

Is it correct to say "show hesitance"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "show hesitance". It means to exhibit or demonstrate a state of being hesitant. For example, "The witness showed hesitance when asked about the details of the event."

What is the difference between "hesitance" and "hesitation"?

"Hesitance" generally refers to a state or quality of being hesitant. "Hesitation", on the other hand, can refer to a single instance of hesitating or pausing. While they can be used similarly, "hesitance" emphasizes the overall disposition. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.