hesitation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'hesitation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a pause or delay in responding before speaking or acting. For example, "John paused before answering the question, a hint of hesitation on his face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All of the big players were in the shake-up, but Nibali took advantage of their hesitation to snatch the stage - and the yellow jersey.

The Guardian - Sport

Their exact words, down to each hesitation and repetition, have been faithfully recreated.

The Guardian - Film

I liked being a helpmeet to people who had always helped me out without hesitation, who had coached me as an intellectual and a teacher.

The Guardian

He spent three and a half years at the consultancy Frontier Economics before returning – "without a moment's hesitation" – to run the IFS.

The Guardian

Click here to watch There was a notable absence of rock at this year's Grammys, but thankfully Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor took centre stage for the gnarly closer, performing Copy of A from his 2013 album Hesitation Marks, joined on stage by Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham, Dave Grohl and Josh Homme.

The Guardian - Music

Each afternoon gondolas would glide down our picturesque little canal with camera-snapping tourists who had no hesitation including us in their pictures.

The Guardian - Travel

When asked what she wants to be when she's older, without hesitation she says, "President of the Republic of Senegal".

The Guardian

But when I ask if Blatter's chief interest in Africa and Asia was weak governance susceptible to bribery and corruption, without hesitation Dyke says, "Yes.

The Guardian

(In recent weeks he's developed a habit of defiantly grunting "Right?" at the end of sentences, as if to suggest that, should his interlocutor persist in doubting him, Mr Miliband will have no hesitation in taking the matter outside)".

The Guardian

Justice Peter Gross told Wright: "In my judgment, on reflection and without hesitation or doubt, this is a case for a whole life order.

The Guardian

"I have no hesitation whatsoever in putting the situation in very specific terms because I believe I have the answer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hesitation" to indicate a brief pause or uncertainty before speaking or acting. For example, 'There was a moment of hesitation before she answered the question.'

Common error

While "hesitation" refers to the act of pausing, "hesitancy" is more about the state of being hesitant. Use "hesitation" for a specific instance of pausing and "hesitancy" for a general tendency to hesitate.

Linguistic Context

Hesitation" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the act of pausing or showing reluctance before speaking or acting. It reflects a temporary suspension of action or opinion due to doubt or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hesitation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that indicates a pause or reluctance before speaking or acting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and widely applicable in various contexts. It's commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific writings. When aiming for clarity, avoid confusing it with "hesitancy", and consider synonyms like "reluctance" or "doubt" for nuanced expression. By understanding its function and purpose, you can use "hesitation" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reluctance

Indicates a disinclination or unwillingness to do something, similar to hesitation but focusing more on unwillingness.

wavering

Describes indecision or fluctuation between options, resembling hesitation in its uncertainty.

doubt

Focuses on the feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction, which can lead to hesitation.

indecision

Highlights the inability to decide, a state that often precedes hesitation.

vacillation

Implies an alternating or fluctuating action, akin to hesitating between choices.

faltering

Describes a stumbling or unsteady action, mirroring the unsteady nature of hesitation.

uncertainty

Emphasizes the lack of sureness or confidence, a key element in hesitation.

procrastination

Refers to delaying or postponing an action, which can stem from hesitation.

second thoughts

Highlights reconsideration or doubts after an initial decision, suggesting a form of hesitation.

reservation

Implies a mental qualification or doubt, similar to hesitating before full acceptance.

FAQs

How to use "hesitation" in a sentence?

Use "hesitation" to describe a pause or reluctance before doing something. For example, "After a moment of hesitation, he agreed to help."

What are some synonyms for "hesitation"?

You can use synonyms like "reluctance", "doubt", or "indecision" depending on the context. See also "wavering" and "vacillation".

Is it correct to say 'without any hesitation'?

Yes, "without any hesitation" is a common and correct phrase to emphasize the immediate and decisive nature of an action.

What's the difference between "hesitation" and "reluctance"?

"Hesitation" implies a pause or delay, while "reluctance" suggests an unwillingness to act. You might have a moment of "hesitation" due to fear, but you display "reluctance" because you disagree.