CEFR B2

hesitantly

adverb

Meaning

In a tentative or unsure way, often due to doubt, fear, or reluctance.

Examples

She hesitantly approached the dark, unfamiliar door, wondering what lay behind it.
He answered the difficult question hesitantly, trying to choose his words carefully.

Synonyms: tentatively, reluctantly, cautiously, unwillingly

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hesitantly (B2)

adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈhɛzɪtəntli/

Definition

In a tentative or unsure way, often due to doubt, fear, or reluctance.

Examples

She hesitantly approached the dark, unfamiliar door, wondering what lay behind it.
He answered the difficult question hesitantly, trying to choose his words carefully.
The child hesitantly reached out for the puppy, unsure if it would bite.

How to Use hesitantly

speak hesitantly (collocation): To speak with pauses or uncertainty. — "She spoke hesitantly about her difficult past."
move hesitantly (collocation): To move slowly or with uncertainty. — "The deer moved hesitantly into the clearing."
answer hesitantly (collocation): To reply with doubt or reluctance. — "He answered hesitantly when asked about his grades."

Synonyms of hesitantly

Words with a similar meaning to hesitantly:

Antonyms of hesitantly

Words with the opposite meaning to hesitantly:

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