Aarzelende

Aarzelende is an attributive Dutch adjective formed from the verb aarzelen, meaning to hesitate. The word is used to describe nouns that display hesitation, indecision, or cautiousness. As a present participle, it attaches the suffix -ende to the stem aarzel-, producing forms such as aarzelende stem, aarzelende reactie, or aarzelende stap. The corresponding predicative or adverbial form is aarzelend, which is used without an accompanying noun, for example in sentences like Hij sprak aarzelend.

Etymology and form: Aarzel- comes from the verb aarzelen, and the suffix -ende creates an adjectival participle that can describe a noun in front of it. In Dutch, the attributive form often appears after the indefinite article: een aarzelende reactie, een aarzelende eerste stap. The same idea can also be expressed with the noun aarzel, meaning hesitation, as in een gevoel van aarzel. The short form aarzelend is used when describing actions or manner in a predicative position or as an adverbial modifier.

Usage: Aarzelende is common in descriptive writing, journalism, and everyday speech when the mood or manner of a person, action, or decision is specifically characterized by hesitation. It is often paired with nouns like stem, antwoord, stap, houding, or reactie to emphasize cautiousness or uncertainty.

Synonyms and contrasts: Similar meanings can be conveyed with terughoudend, twijfelend, or onzeker. The tone of aarzelende tends to be descriptive rather than judgmental, though in some contexts it can imply mild criticism of indecisiveness.

See also: aarzel (noun), aarzelings, aarzelend.

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