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Hesitancy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Hesitancy is the state of being unsure or reluctant to act, often due to doubt or indecision. It involves pausing or delaying before making a choice or taking action.

hesitancy

/ˈhɛzɪtənsi/ /ˈhɛzɪtənsi/

Definition:

The quality of being hesitant; reluctance or indecision in acting or speaking.

Synonyms:

reluctance, indecision, uncertainty, doubt

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

confidence, decisiveness

Common Collocations:

show hesitancy, overcome hesitancy, voice hesitancy

Derivatives:

hesitant, hesitate, hesitatingly

Usage Tips:

Use "hesitancy" to describe a pause or delay due to uncertainty or reluctance in actions or speech.

Common Phrases:

moment of hesitancy, without hesitancy, full of hesitancy

Etymology:

From Latin "haesitantia," meaning stammering or hesitation, derived from "haesitare" (to hesitate).

Examples:

  • 1. She showed slight hesitancy before answering the question.
  • 2. His hesitancy cost him the opportunity to speak first.
  • 3. The team's hesitancy led to a missed goal.
  • 4. Overcoming her hesitancy, she finally shared her idea.

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