* Noun: When it refers to the act of pausing or delaying.
* Example: "There was a long hesitation before she answered."
* Verb: When it refers to the act of pausing or delaying. It's often used in the past tense or present participle.
* Example: "He hesitated before speaking." "He was hesitating about what to say."
* Adjective: This usage is less common but can occur. It describes something marked by pausing or delaying.
* Example: "His speech was hesitant."
So, it's important to look at the context of the sentence to determine the correct part of speech.