How do you pronounce "hesitate"?

In American English: /ˈhɛzəˌteɪt/ (HEHZ-uh-tayt). In British English: /hˈɛzɪtˌeɪt/ (H-ehz-it). In Canadian English: /ˈhɛzəˌteɪt/ (HEHZ-uh-tayt). In Australian English: /hˈɛzɪtˌeɪt/ (H-ehz-it).

Is "hesitate" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈhɛzəˌteɪt/ (HEHZ-uh-tayt), while in British English it's /hˈɛzɪtˌeɪt/ (H-ehz-it).

How to Pronounce "hesitate"

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hesitate

regional

/ˈhɛzəˌteɪt/

HEHZ-uh-tayt

Syllable Breakdown

hɛzhes·əi·teɪttate

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14