hesitative

[ hez-i-tey-tiv ]

adjective

1. characterized by hesitation; hesitating.

Other Words From

• hesi·tative·ly adverb
• un·hesi·tative adjective
• un·hesi·tative·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hesitative¹

First recorded in 1785–95; hesitate + -ive

Example Sentences

"N—no," was the hesitative answer.

From Project Gutenberg

Soon a courageous bull-frog gives utterance to a subdued, hesitative croak; his excellent example is quickly followed by others; answering noises spring up in every direction, and ere long the midnight concert of the jungle is again in full melody.

From Project Gutenberg

"Admiral Darling is kind enough to think," said Scudamore, in his mild, hesitative way, blushing outwardly, but smiling inwardly, "that I am too good to be a clergyman."

From Project Gutenberg

They want me to bin in their stuffy little bazaar, crowded with people and donkeys; mere alley-ways with scarcely a twenty yard stretch from one angle to another; the surface is a disorganized mass of holes and stones over which the wary and hesitative donkey picks his way with the greatest care; and yet the popular clamor is "Bin, bin; bazaar, bazaar."

From Project Gutenberg

On the contrary, they look suspiciously like being undecided and hesitative about whether to let me proceed peacefully on my way or not.

From Project Gutenberg