Pronunciation: [hˌɛsɪtˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA) 
The word "hesitation" is spelled with an "h" followed by "e", pronounced as /hɛzɪˈteɪʃən/. The "s" is spelled with an "s" as opposed to a "z" since the preceding "t" sound is voiceless. It is important to note the "t" in "tation" is spelled with a "t" not "c" since the sound is a "t" sound. Proper spelling of the word "hesitation" ensures clear communication and prevents confusion among readers or listeners.
Hesitation refers to the act or state of pausing or faltering in one's actions, speech, or decision-making process due to doubt, uncertainty, or indecisiveness. It is characterized by a temporary pause, delay, or reluctance to proceed or commit to a certain course of action.
In speech, hesitation often manifests as brief pauses, stutters, or repetitions of words or phrases as a person gathers their thoughts or attempts to articulate themselves. It can occur when someone is unsure of the appropriate words to express their ideas or when they are trying to carefully choose their words to avoid misunderstandings or offending others.
In actions, hesitation is demonstrated through a halt, delay, or reluctance to take a step forward or initiate a particular action. It can stem from a lack of confidence, fear of making a mistake, or inadequate information about the potential consequences or outcomes of a decision.
Hesitation can also be seen in decision-making, where individuals may pause, second-guess themselves, or feel uncertain about which option to choose. This hesitation often arises when the decision at hand carries significant consequences or when there is limited information available to evaluate the potential outcomes.
Overall, hesitation represents a temporary state of uncertainty or doubt, slowing down the progress towards a specific action or decision. It is a natural human response that can arise in various situations, often requiring careful consideration and analysis before moving forward.
Doubt; suspense of opinion or decision from uncertainty how to act.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "hesitation" originated from the Latin word "haesitatio" which means "a stammering or hesitation". This word is derived from the Latin verb "haesitare", meaning "to hesitate" or "to be in doubt". The Latin verb is a combination of "haerere", which means "to stick" or "to adhere to", and the suffix "-tare", which indicates a frequentative or iterative action. Overall, the etymology of "hesitation" suggests the idea of being stuck or adhering to doubt or uncertainty, which reflects its modern meaning.
