hesitation
UK[ˌhezɪˈteɪʃn]US[ˌhezɪˈteɪʃn]
n
the act of pausing before saying or doing something because you are uncertain or nervous
n
a feeling that you are not sure about doing something
Morpheme Breakdown
hesit
ate
ion
hesit
stick fast
ate
verb suffix
ion
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'hesitation' originates from the latin verb haerere, meaning 'to stick or cling'. its frequentative form, haesitare, evolved to signify the action of sticking in place, both physically and mentally, leading to the sense of being held back by doubt. the suffix -ate formed the past participle haesitatus, and the addition of -ion nominalized the action. thus, the literal concept of being 'stuck' transformed into the modern abstract meaning of a pause or uncertainty in speech or action.
Analysis
Structure: hesit (stick fast) + ate (verb suffix) + ion (noun suffix)
hesit (from latin haesitare, frequentative of haerere, meaning 'to stick, cling, hesitate'), ate (latin verbal suffix forming haesitatus), ion (latin noun suffix -ionem, indicating action or state)
Examples
she agreed without a moment's hesitation.
his hesitation was clear in his voice.
after some hesitation, he signed the contract.