crossword clue hesitate – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues. Below you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "hesitate," helping you complete your puzzle with ease and confidence.
Solutions for "crossword clue hesitate" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BALK: To stop short and refuse to proceed, often due to an objection or reluctance.
HALT: To stop or cause to stop, often implying a moment of indecision or a pause.
5 Letters
DEMUR: To raise doubts or show reluctance, a formal way of expressing hesitation or objection.
PAUSE: To stop briefly before continuing, indicating a moment of hesitation or thought.
WAVER: To be indecisive or irresolute, often suggesting a lack of firmness or a moment of hesitation.
6 Letters
FALTER: To lose strength or momentum, or to hesitate in purpose or action, often due to uncertainty or fear.
More About "crossword clue hesitate"
The clue "hesitate" is a common one in crosswords, pointing to actions or states of being that involve delay, indecision, or reluctance. Understanding the nuances of words like 'pause', 'demur', 'waver', or 'falter' is key to cracking these clues. Crossword setters love to use synonyms that fit various letter counts, so always consider the context and the letters you already have in place from intersecting words.
Often, a clue like 'hesitate' might also be clued metaphorically, referring to a stoppage in progress or a delay in making a decision. For instance, 'balk' implies a refusal to proceed, which is a form of strong hesitation. Recognizing these subtle differences can help you distinguish between closely related answers and pick the correct one for your puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and antonyms: For clues like "hesitate", think of all possible words that mean to stop, pause, or show reluctance. Sometimes the clue might hint at the opposite meaning, so keep an open mind.
- Check letter count: Always verify the number of letters in your potential answer against the puzzle's requirement. This is the most crucial filter for narrowing down possibilities.
- Look at surrounding letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These will often provide critical clues, eliminating many possible answers and confirming others.
- Practice common "crosswordese": Some words appear frequently in crosswords due to their letter patterns or common synonyms. Familiarize yourself with these.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to approach a crossword clue like 'hesitate'?
When faced with a clue like 'hesitate', consider synonyms, antonyms (if the clue implies the opposite), and various shades of meaning. Think about words that describe a temporary stop, indecision, or reluctance. Also, pay attention to the word length requested by the puzzle.
Why are there so many possible answers for a single crossword clue?
Crossword clues often have multiple valid answers because English has a rich vocabulary with many synonyms and words that can fit different contexts. The specific puzzle setter's style, the number of letters, and intersecting words will narrow down the correct solution.
How can I improve my speed in solving crossword puzzles?
Practice is key! Regularly solve puzzles, learn common crosswordese terms, pay attention to wordplay indicators (like 'might be', 'perhaps'), and use resources like Crosswordanswer.co.uk for clues you're stuck on. Building your vocabulary and recognizing common patterns will significantly boost your speed.