Meaning of "balking" in English

The word "balking" typically refers to a sudden stop or refusal to proceed with an action. It is often used in contexts where a person or animal hesitates or refuses to continue with what they were expected or instructed to do. This hesitation or refusal is usually due to fear, uncertainty, or a strong reluctance to proceed. In a broader sense, "balking" can describe any situation where there is an unexpected interruption or a deliberate avoidance of a task.

Meaning of "hésitaient" in French

The word "hésitaient" is the imperfect tense of the verb "hésiter" in French, which translates to "were hesitating" or "hesitated" in English. It describes a past continuous or repeated action of showing uncertainty or indecision, often due to doubts or hesitation about the correct course of action. It can be used in various contexts, both personal and professional, whenever someone or something was unsure about proceeding with an action or decision.

Pronunciation of "balking" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈbɔːkɪŋ/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "balking" can vary slightly between American and British English. In American English, the "a" might sound more like "ah," while in British English, it may sound more like "aw." Despite these slight differences, the word is generally pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable.

Pronunciation of "hésitaient" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /ezitɛ/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "hésitaient" does not significantly vary across different French-speaking regions. However, regional accents may slightly influence the clarity and emphasis on the vowels. Generally, it is pronounced with a clear "é" sound at the beginning.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. She was balking at the idea of moving to a new city. (Elle hésitait à l'idée de déménager dans une nouvelle ville.)

  2. The horse started balking at the sight of the unfamiliar path. (Le cheval hésitait à la vue du chemin inconnu.)

  3. They were balking when it came time to sign the contract. (Ils hésitaient lorsque le moment est venu de signer le contrat.)

  4. He found himself balking at taking the final step. (Il s'est retrouvé à hésiter à faire le dernier pas.)

  5. The team was balking under the pressure of the final match. (L'équipe hésitait sous la pression du dernier match.)

  6. She couldn't stop balking at the enormous workload. (Elle n'arrêtait pas d'hésiter devant la charge de travail énorme.)

  7. They were balking at his sudden demand for more money. (Ils hésitaient face à sa demande soudaine de plus d'argent.)

  8. Every time she tried calling, she found herself balking. (Chaque fois qu'elle essayait d'appeler, elle se retrouvait à hésiter.)

  9. The entire group was balking at the unexpected change in plans. (Tout le groupe hésitait face au changement inattendu de plans.)

  10. The students were balking at the idea of extra homework. (Les étudiants hésitaient à l'idée de devoirs supplémentaires.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "balking" in English

Synonyms: hesitating, refusing, recoiling, resisting, flinching, pausing.

Antonyms: proceeding, continuing, advancing, complying, agreeing, accepting.

Similar Words: faltering, dithering, stalling, procrastinating, vacillating.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "hésitaient" in French

Synonyms: doutaient, tergiversaient, vacillaient, délibéraient, hésitèrent.

Antonyms: décidaient, avançaient, affirmaient, continuaient, acceptaient.

Similar Words: flottaient, balançaient, tressautaient.

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