What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
haltingly
Example
He spoke haltingly, struggling to find the right words. [haltingly: adverb]
Example
The old man walked haltingly with a cane. [haltingly: adverb]
hesitantly
Example
She hesitantly agreed to the proposal, unsure of its implications. [hesitantly: adverb]
Example
The child approached the dog hesitantly, afraid it might bite. [hesitantly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hesitantly is more commonly used than haltingly in everyday language. Hesitantly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while haltingly is less common and more formal, typically used in more specific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between haltingly and hesitantly?
While haltingly is typically associated with a more formal tone, hesitantly is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.