Basic Details
Word: Hesitate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To pause before doing something because you are unsure or uncertain.
Synonyms: Waver, falter, dither
Antonyms: Decide, proceed, act
Idioms and Phrases
- Hesitate to ask: To be unsure about asking for help or information. Example: "Don't hesitate to ask if you need any assistance with your homework."
- Hesitate on the sidelines: To wait without taking action. Example: "While others were playing, he hesitated on the sidelines, afraid to join in."
Usage Examples
Example 1: She will hesitate before making a big decision about moving to a new city.
Example 2: If you hesitate during the race, you might lose your chance to win.
Example 3: He hesitated to speak out in the meeting, worried his opinion might not be valued.
Fun Fact
The word "hesitate" comes from the Latin word "haesitare," which means "to stick" or "to pause," reflecting the idea of being stuck in indecision.
Famous Quote
"The only limit to our realisation of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." Franklin D. Roosevelt
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "hesitate" mean?
a) To act quickly
b) To pause because of uncertainty
c) To run fast
d) To jump
Answer: b) To pause because of uncertainty
2. Which of these is a synonym of "hesitate"?
a) Decide
b) Waver
c) Act
d) Finish
Answer: b) Waver
3. Which word is an antonym of "hesitate"?
a) Pause
b) Decide
c) Waver
d) Doubt
Answer: b) Decide
4. Which sentence uses "hesitate" correctly?
a) She will hesitate before she jumps into the water.
b) The cat hesitated to catch the mouse swiftly.
c) He hesitated and ran quickly to the bus.
d) They will hesitate to finish their homework.
Answer: a) She will hesitate before she jumps into the water.
5. Which idiom means to be unsure about asking for help?
a) Hesitate on the sidelines
b) Hesitate to ask
c) Take a leap
d) Jump in at the deep end
Answer: b) Hesitate to ask
