hesitate

Everyday

1. To stop or pause before doing or saying something because you are unsure, nervous or worried. tree →
2. Don't hesitate to means feel free to do it at once: Don't hesitate to ask. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it shows a character is unsure or afraid; in everyday and formal letters, don't hesitate to contact us. Phrases: hesitate to, without hesitating, he who hesitates is lost.

Examples

• She hesitated before jumping into the cold water. tree →
• Don't hesitate to ask if you need help. tree →
• He answered without hesitating. tree →
• I hesitated because I wasn't sure of the answer. tree →
• The cat hesitated at the edge of the wall. tree →
• If you see a fire, don't hesitate, call 999. tree →
• The kind children did not hesitate for an instant. tree →

Note

Past: hesitated. Noun: hesitation. Adjective: hesitant. Followed by to + verb: hesitate to say. In an emergency: 999 (UK, Ireland also 112), 911 (USA, Canada), 000 (Australia), 111 (NZ).