hesitate

Syllables:
he·si·ta·te
4 syllables
hesitate in syllables

About "hesitate"

Syllables
4
Letters
8
Language
EN

How to Split "hesitate" into Syllables

The word hesitate is divided into 4 syllables: he·si·ta·te. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • he — 1st syllable
  • si — 2nd syllable
  • ta — 3rd syllable
  • te — 4th syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of hesitate:

  • IPA: /ˈhɛz.ɪ.teɪt/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. hesitate (third-person singular simple present hesitates, present participle hesitating, simple past and past participle hesitated)
  2. September 1, 1742, Alexander Pope, letter to Racine

📚 Word Origin & History

Borrowed from Latin haesitātus, perfect passive participle of haesitō (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), intensive of haereō (“to hesitate, stick fast; to hang or hold fast”). Displaced native Old English wandian. Compare French hésiter.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down hesitate into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare hesitate with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
hesitate 4 he·si·ta·te
hackitude 4 ha-cki-tu-de
heist 1 heist
hayseed 3 hay-se-ed
Hokkaido 3 hok-kai-do

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to hesitate:

hes, Hess, Hesse, Hesiod, Hester, Heston, Heshvan, hessian.

Frequently Asked Questions About "hesitate"

How many syllables does "hesitate" have?

hesitate has 4 syllables: he·si·ta·te. The word is divided into 4 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "hesitate"?

The stress is on the first syllable: he. This means you emphasize the "he" part when pronouncing hesitate.

How do you pronounce "hesitate"?

hesitate is pronounced as /ˈhɛz.ɪ.teɪt/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: he·si·ta·te.

Is "hesitate" easy to spell?

Breaking hesitate into syllables helps with spelling: he·si·ta·te. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "hesitate" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.