reticence

[ ret-uh-suhns ]

noun

1. the state of being reticent, or reserved, especially with regard to speaking freely; restraint:

   His natural reticence seemed to disappear under the influence of alcohol.

Other Words From

• non·reti·cence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reticence¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from French réticence, from Latin reticentia, equivalent to reticent-, stem of reticēns (present participle of reticēre “to be silent”) + -ia -y ³( def ); reticent ( def )

Example Sentences

Watching from a perch in the surveillance age, her reticence is understandable.

From Salon

Such reticence might be exacerbated by the existence of the so-called warrior board.

From Los Angeles Times

Lacey’s perceived reticence to prosecute police became a major hurdle to her bid for a third term.

From Los Angeles Times

But liberals’ reticence to invest their hopes and dreams in Allred’s bid is mostly out of a sense that they’ve seen this movie before.

From Slate

They came to that conclusion after weighing the entire chain of events, from Miller’s underlying health conditions, to her decision to manage her abortion alone, to her reticence to seek medical care.

From Salon

Related Words

• hesitation
• shyness