In a manner showing doubt, reluctance, or unwillingness; with pauses and uncertainty.
Formed from the adjective 'hesitant' by adding the adverbial suffix -ly. The chain is: Latin 'haesitare' → English 'hesitate' → 'hesitant' (adjective) → 'hesitantly' (adverb).
Notice how 'hesitantly' has four syllables with lots of little stops (t, n, t, l)—the word almost stutters when you say it aloud, which makes the sound of the word match its meaning. English words often do this, especially with negative or careful emotions.
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