Hesitant means uncertain or slow to act because you're not quite sure what to do. When you're hesitant, you pause before making a decision, like when you stand at the edge of a cold swimming pool, wanting to jump in but not quite ready to take the plunge.

A hesitant speaker might stumble over words or take long pauses, unsure of what to say next. A student might raise a hesitant hand in class, half hoping the teacher will call on someone else. You might feel hesitant about trying a new food, joining a new club, or speaking up when you disagree with your friends.

Being hesitant isn't the same as being afraid. It's that in-between feeling where you're considering your options, weighing what might happen, or simply feeling unsure. Sometimes hesitation is wise: you might be hesitant before jumping off something high or talking to a stranger. Other times, being too hesitant means missing good opportunities because you couldn't decide quickly enough.

The opposite of hesitant is confident or decisive. Someone who acts without hesitation jumps right in, while a hesitant person holds back, at least for a moment, to think things through.