hesitation
UK: ˌhezɪˈteɪʃən | US: ˌhezɪˈteɪʃən
n. the act of pausing or delaying due to uncertainty or reluctance
n. a state of indecision or doubt
hesitation = hesit<stick, cling> + ation<noun suffix>
- hesit (from Latin haesitare, frequentative of haerere meaning "to stick, cling, or hesitate")
- ation (a suffix forming nouns indicating an action or process)
Etymology Origin:
The word "hesitation" traces back to Latin haesitare, which implies being stuck or clinging to a point of uncertainty. The root haerere (to stick) metaphorically evolved to describe mental "sticking" — pausing due to doubt. Over time, haesitare entered Old French as hesiter, and by the 17th century, English adopted it with the suffix -ation to formalize the concept of indecisive delay.
She answered without hesitation when asked about her decision.
His hesitation cost him the opportunity to speak first.
There was a brief hesitation in her voice before she agreed.
The team’s hesitation led to a missed deadline.
Overcoming hesitation is key to taking decisive action.