hesitation meaning

UK /ˌhɛzɪˈteɪʃən/ US /ˌhɛzəˈteɪʃən/ 4 syllables

hesitation (noun): indecision in speech or action.

hesitation has 3 meanings in this dictionary.

hesitation as a noun

  1. indecision in speech or action

    Synonyms: vacillation, wavering

    Type of: indecision

    Related forms: hesitate

  2. a certain degree of unwillingness
    • a reluctance to commit himself
    • his hesitancy revealed his basic indisposition
    • after some hesitation he agreed

    Synonyms: reluctance, hesitancy, disinclination, indisposition

    Type of: unwillingness

    Kinds: sloth

    Related forms: hesitate

  3. the act of pausing uncertainly
    • there was a hesitation in his speech

    Synonyms: waver, falter, faltering

    Type of: pause

    Related forms: hesitate

How to pronounce hesitation

hesitation is pronounced /ˌhɛzɪˈteɪʃən/ in British English and /ˌhɛzəˈteɪʃən/ in American English. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.

Words that rhyme with hesitation

Scrabble score: 13 (letter breakdown)

Word lists: words starting with HE · words ending in ON · 10-letter words

More about hesitation on Wikipedia.