hesitantly

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

hesitantly — 副詞

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

1.副詞B2
釋義

猶豫地；遲疑地

因不確定或不自信而動作遲緩

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.

那個小孩猶豫地摸了摸狗的鼻子，然後迅速把手縮回來。

hesitantly + verb of movement (touch, pull back)

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

Ji-ho 猶豫地同意加入這趟旅行，但他的眼神顯示他有所顧慮。

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.