hesitate
Definitions
To pause or be slow to act because of uncertainty or doubt.
犹豫，迟疑，踌躇。
To be reluctant or unwilling to do something.
不情愿，有顾虑（去做某事）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin haesitāre, the 'keep getting stuck' form of haerēre (stick) — the hes- spelling marks this branch. Picture feet that won't unstick from the ground, so every step is delayed. That physical halting became mental halting: to hesitate is to be stuck before acting, held in place by doubt.
Root her still carries 28 more wordsWhy It Means This
The vividness of hesitate comes from its literal root sense: getting stuck. Latin haesitāre was the frequentative of haerēre — 'to keep sticking.' The image of feet that won't move, of someone halting mid-step, became the perfect picture of a mind held back by doubt. When you hesitate, your will is glued in place for a beat before you can act.
Usage Guide
Two common patterns: 'hesitate to do something' (be reluctant — don't hesitate to ask) and 'hesitate before/over something' (pause). 'Don't hesitate to...' is a fixed, warm formula in customer service and letters, meaning 'feel free to.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything.
- 2.
She hesitated for a moment before answering.
- 3.
He hesitated to share the bad news with his family.