How to pronounce hesitant
Say it like HEZ-ih-tunt. Hesitant has three 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 hesitant. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HEZ
- ih
- tunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hesitant 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.
- tuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of hesitant
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: HEZ-ih-tunt.
What does hesitant mean?
- Tending to hesitate, wait, or proceed with caution or reservation.“I am hesitant to recommend him as a manager because he has a short temper.”
Where does hesitant come from?
Borrowed from Latin haesitans, present participle of haesitare (“to stick fast, to hesitate”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying hesitant
How do you pronounce hesitant?
Say HEZ-ih-tunt. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɛzɪtənt/. In British English it is /ˈhɛzɪtənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hesitant?
Hesitant has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HEZ). Broken into parts: HEZ · ih · tunt.
Is hesitant 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 /ˈhɛzɪtənt/ (HEZ-ih-tunt).