What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reluctantly
Example
He reluctantly agreed to attend the party. [reluctantly: adverb]
Example
She completed the task reluctantly, knowing it was necessary. [reluctantly: adverb]
hesitantly
Example
He hesitantly approached the edge of the cliff. [hesitantly: adverb]
Example
She answered the question hesitantly, unsure of the correct response. [hesitantly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hesitantly is more commonly used than reluctantly in everyday language. Hesitantly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while reluctantly is less common and refers to a stronger sense of resistance or opposition.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reluctantly and hesitantly?
Both reluctantly and hesitantly are relatively formal words, but hesitantly can be used in more casual situations as well.
