How to pronounce hesitancy
Say it like HEZ-ih-tun-see. Hesitancy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HEZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce hesitancy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HEZ
- ih
- tun
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hesitancy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HEZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- seeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of hesitancy
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: HEZ-ih-tun-see.
What does hesitancy mean?
- A pausing or halting before beginning a task, often as a result of some fear or uncertainty about the outcome.
Where does hesitancy come from?
From Latin haesitantia.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying hesitancy
How do you pronounce hesitancy?
Say HEZ-ih-tun-see. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɛzɪtənsi/. In British English it is /ˈhɛzɪtənsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hesitancy?
Hesitancy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HEZ). Broken into parts: HEZ · ih · tun · see.
Is hesitancy pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈhɛzɪtənsi/ (HEZ-ih-tun-see).