dither
Verb
Hard difficulty
What does “dither” mean?
verb.to be indecisive.
SAT Usage
this verb is often found in passages discussing decision-making, leadership, or personal dilemmas. It emphasizes a sense of hesitation or uncertainty that can lead to missed opportunities, distinguishing it from similar words like "vacillate," which implies a more active back-and-forth indecision rather than simple inaction.
Common Confusions
Dither implies a passive hesitation in making decisions, while vacillate usually suggests an active fluctuation between choices or opinions.
Do not choose dither if the context emphasizes certainty or decisiveness rather than being indecisive.
Example Sentences
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She dithered over which offer to accept for far too long.
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Stop dithering and choose a course of action.