reticent

[ ret-uh-suhnt ]

adjective

1. disposed to be silent or not to speak freely; reserved.

   Synonyms: uncommunicative, quiet, taciturn

   Antonyms: voluble, talkative

2. reluctant or restrained.

reticent

/ ˈrɛtɪsənt /

adjective

1. not open or communicative; not saying all that one knows; taciturn; reserved

Derived Forms

• ˈreticence, noun
• ˈreticently, adverb

Other Words From

• reti·cence reti·cen·cy noun
• reti·cent·ly adverb
• non·reti·cent adjective
• non·reti·cent·ly adverb
• un·reti·cent adjective
• un·reti·cent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of reticent¹

First recorded in 1825–35; from Latin reticent- (stem of reticēns ), present participle of reticēre “to be silent,” equivalent to re- “again, back” + -tic-, combining form of tacēre “to be silent” ( tacit ) + -ent- adjective suffix; re-, -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of reticent¹

C19: from Latin reticēre to keep silent, from re- + tacēre to be silent

Example Sentences

She appeared reticent, at times, with the traditions set out by first ladies that preceded her.

From BBC

I was a tad reticent to click a link.

From Los Angeles Times

His reticent demeanor, coupled with his enormous stature in the game, gave many people the impression that he was unapproachable.

From Los Angeles Times

“Doctors may be even more reticent to discuss cases that involve a death because of concerns regarding malpractice litigation,” he said.

From Salon

Ms Larkin said high inflation may have made building companies "reticent" to take on contracts.

From BBC

Related Words

• bashful
• hesitant
• mum
• reserved
• restrained
• shy
• silent
• taciturn