| / English Dictionary |
HESITATING
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Lacking decisiveness of character; unable to act or decide quickly or firmly
Synonyms:
hesitant; hesitating
Classified under:
Similar:
indecisive (characterized by lack of decision and firmness)
II. (verb)
Sense 1
-ing form of the verb hesitate
Context examples:
Oh! no, I am sure you are a great deal too kind to—but if you would just advise me what I had best do—No, no, I do not mean that—As you say, one's mind ought to be quite made up—One should not be hesitating—It is a very serious thing.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
You and your aunt will excuse me, Copperfield, if I touch upon a painful theme, as I greatly fear I shall, said Traddles, hesitating; but I think it necessary to bring it to your recollection.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
I have no hesitation in saying, replied Mr. Elton, though hesitating a good deal while he spoke; I have no hesitation in saying—at least if my friend feels at all as I do—I have not the smallest doubt that, could he see his little effusion honoured as I see it, (looking at the book again, and replacing it on the table), he would consider it as the proudest moment of his life.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
A very few days had passed after this adventure, when Harriet came one morning to Emma with a small parcel in her hand, and after sitting down and hesitating, thus began: Miss Woodhouse—if you are at leisure—I have something that I should like to tell you—a sort of confession to make—and then, you know, it will be over.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
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