reluctance

Everyday

1. Not wanting to do something, so that you do it slowly or unwillingly. tree →
2. (science) How much a material resists a magnetic field (a technical sense). tree →

In the lessons

In stories it shows a character's feelings: «with great reluctance, he handed over the ball». In everyday life it describes not wanting to go to bed, eat vegetables or say sorry. Phrases: «with reluctance», «a reluctance to», «show reluctance».

Examples

• With great reluctance, I turned off the game. tree →
• Her reluctance to go to the dentist was obvious. tree →
• He agreed, but with some reluctance. tree →
• The dog showed reluctance to get into the bath. tree →
• There was a reluctance among the players to change the rules. tree →
• Despite her reluctance, she joined the choir and loved it. tree →
• Gladly would she have plucked a flower, but she could not overcome her reluctance to break one off. tree →

Note

Adjective: «reluctant»; adverb: «reluctantly». Followed by «to + verb»: «a reluctance to leave». Opposite: eagerness, willingness.