What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inhibition
Example
His inhibition prevented him from speaking up in front of the crowd. [inhibition: noun]
Example
The medication works by blocking the inhibition of certain enzymes. [inhibition: noun]
hesitation
Example
She hesitated before jumping into the water. [hesitated: verb]
Example
I have some hesitation about accepting the job offer. [hesitation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hesitation is more commonly used than inhibition in everyday language. Hesitation is a common experience that people encounter in various situations, while inhibition is a more technical term used in psychology or biology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inhibition and hesitation?
Inhibition is a more formal term that is often used in technical or academic contexts, while hesitation is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
