hesitant
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hesitant
Indecisive, slow, and wavering in an action or decision, often because of uncertainty, fear, or doubt.
Nach kurzem, zögerlichem Warten betrat er schließlich den Raum.
After a brief, hesitant wait, he finally entered the room.
The adjective 'zögerlich' (hesitant) is derived from the verb 'zögern' (to hesitate). It describes the quality or manner of a person who hesitates.
Er zögerte einen Moment, bevor er antwortete.
He hesitated for a moment before answering.
'Zögerlich' (hesitant/hesitantly) can be used as an adverb without changing form to describe how an action is carried out. It then usually stands directly near the verb.
Sie nickte nur zögerlich, als ich sie um Hilfe bat.
She only nodded hesitantly when I asked her for help.
Common combinations are 'eine zögerliche Antwort' (a hesitant answer), 'ein zögerlicher Schritt' (a hesitant step), or verbs such as 'zögerlich zustimmen' (to agree hesitantly) and 'zögerlich nicken' (to nod hesitantly).
Seine zögerliche Haltung machte die Verhandlungen schwierig.
His hesitant attitude made the negotiations difficult.
uncertain / insecure
Both words can describe an action that does not seem decisive. Unsicher emphasizes doubt or a lack of certainty, while zögerlich mainly shows that someone acts slowly or delays a decision. Use unsicher for the inner state and zögerlich for visible behavior.
Weil sie sich noch nicht entschieden hatte, hob sie zögerlich die Hand.
Because she had not made up her mind yet, she raised her hand hesitantly.
Weil sie die richtige Antwort nicht wusste, gab sie eine unsichere Antwort.
Because she did not know the correct answer, she gave an uncertain answer.
