Hesitatingly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that reflects a lack of certainty or conviction, showing reluctance before proceeding with an action or thought, and revealing doubt while communicating or making choices
2. Exhibiting a sense of uncertainty or anxiety, often showing a hesitation before taking significant steps or decisions, and displaying a timidity in expression or action
3. In a manner marked by pauses or uncertainty before acting or speaking

Etymology: "Hesitatingly" is a plain formation: the adjective "hesitating" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" attached. The suffix has a long pedigree of its own. It descends from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "body" or "form", which became the ending "-līċe" in Old English, where it turned adjectives into adverbs describing the manner of an action. Over the centuries that Old English ending wore down to the "-ly" we use today. The adjective underneath, "hesitating", comes from "hesitate", which English took from the Latin verb "haesitare", meaning to stick fast or stammer. The physical image of being stuck in place is still visible in the modern sense: to hesitate is to stand stuck between two options, unable to move forward.

Synonyms: tentatively, uncertainly, waveringly, indecisively, timidly

Antonyms: decisively, confidently, firmly, resolutely, certainly