What is the difference between 迟疑 犹豫 and 踌躇?
The three terms seem similar, they are mostly different in etymology and minor details in usage.


  迟= late, slow to; 疑= suspect, uncertain
  
  迟疑 to hesitate 
  
  Hesitate to act because one feels uncertain of the consequence
  
  
  Mainly used to describe hesitancy in 'action'. It can be for a brief moment. For example: 动作迟疑 (hesitant movement); or it can be delay of action for indefinite time period. For example: 迟疑不发 (hesitating, holding off action)
  


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  犹= as if; 豫= happy and content
  
  犹豫 to hesitate
  
  Hesitate to act (as if content of the the current situation)
  
  
  Mainly used to describe hesitancy in a 'mindset' For example: 心里犹豫 (cannot decide); 猶豫不決 (hesitant; indecisive)
  It can also describe an 'appearance' of hesitancy. For example: 一脸猶豫 (hesitant look); 
  


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  踌= (1) hesitant; shilly-shally (2) complacent; self-satisfied
  
  躇= hesitant; undecided
  
  踌躇 hesitant; wavering; undecided 
  
  Hesitate to act (out of uncertain feeling or complacency, afraid of the action might bring change to the current situation)
  
  
  Mainly used to describe hesitancy in a 'mindset'. For example: 心里躊躇 (wavering heart); 
  躊躇滿志 【釋義】：躊躇：從容自得的樣子；滿：滿足；志：志願。形容對自己取得的成就非常得意。
  
  
  (躊躇: leisurely, contented; 滿: Satisfied ;志; goal. 躊躇滿志 describes the proud feeling of one's achievements)