hesitantly

/ˈhezɪtəntli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhezɪtəntli/ (ame, ipa)

hesitantly — adverb

1. showing a lack of confidence or certainty by acting or speaking with small pause

1.副詞B2
釋義

showing a lack of confidence or certainty by acting or speaking with small pauses and careful movements.

例句

The child hesitantly touched the dog's nose, then quickly pulled her hand back.

hesitantly + verb of movement (touch, pull back)

Ji-ho hesitantly agreed to join the trip, though his eyes showed he had doubts.

hesitantly + verb of agreement/speech

同義詞
  • tentatively

    suggests a testing or provisional quality rather than emotional nervousness

  • uncertainly

    broader — describes any situation lacking certainty, not just actions

  • warily

    focuses on caution prompted by a perceived danger or risk

  • reluctantly

    implies unwillingness or resistance, not just hesitation

反義詞
  • confidently

    with full belief in one's ability or judgment

  • promptly

    immediately and without delay, showing no hesitation

  • assertively

    with force and clear certainty in one's words or actions

文法句型

hesitantly + verb (speak / agree / move / reach out)

用法筆記

Hesitantly commonly appears before verbs of speech (say, ask, describe, reply), movement (move, reach, step forward), or decision-making (agree, accept, choose). It carries an undertone of nervousness or lack of confidence, not merely slowness.

常見錯誤

❌She hesitantly took the job even though she was excited.
✅She hesitantly took the job because she was afraid she might fail.
💡'Hesitantly' implies doubt or fear, not just a slow decision.
❌He hesitantly agreed to stay late, though he was happy to help.
✅He hesitantly agreed to stay late, though he really wanted to go home.
💡Use 'hesitantly' when the person is reluctant or unsure, not when they are willing.