hesitation

/ˌhezɪˈteɪʃən/

Syllables he·si·ta·tion

Stress he-si-TA-tion

Phonics Breakdown

he

/he/

short e

si

/zɪ/

voiced cons.

ta

/teɪ/

long a-e

tion

/ʃən/

-tion ending

Meaning

a pause or delay due to uncertainty or indecision

Sound Reference

💡

he=/he/(help) + si=/zɪ/(visit) + ta=/teɪ/(take) + tion=/ʃən/(nation)

Example

After a moment of hesitation, she answered the question.