Vocabulary in context
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Reticent
Inclined to keep one's thoughts and feelings to oneself; reserved and quiet in speech.
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Imagine This
Picture a shy student in a lively classroom who speaks only in brief, guarded phrases and avoids eye contact, even when the teacher asks questions.
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Sounds Like
RET-ih-suhnt
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Looks Like
looks similar to reluctant in nuance; both imply holding back, but reticent specifically refers to speaking
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Remember This
The noun form is 'reticence'. The root retic- comes from Latin reticere, meaning to be silent or to hold back.
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Other Forms
reticencenoun
reticentlyadverb
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Note
Do not confuse with 'reluctant' (hesitant to act) or 'secretive' (concealing information). Reticent is about speaking or sharing thoughts, not about avoidance in general.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- She was reticent about her personal life, offering only a few guarded details.
- The witness remained reticent, answering with minimal information under cross-examination.
Synonyms
taciturnreservedwithdrawndiffidentquiet
Antonyms
talkativegarrulousforthcoming
Etymology
From Latin reticent-, reticens, from reticere 'to be silent' (re- 'back' + tacere 'to be silent').
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: RETI-CENT reminds you that speaking is difficult for someone who ties their tongue; 'RE-TIE-SENT' = keep silent instead of telling.
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Instantaneous
adjectiveHappening or done in an instant; immediate, with no perceptible delay.
Decadence
nounA decline in cultural and moral standards, often accompanied by excessive self-indulgence and luxury.
Deride
verbTo mock or ridicule someone; to express contempt for by laughing at or making fun of them.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Taciturn
adjectiveSilent; not inclined to talk; reserved in conversation.
Aloof
adjectiveNot friendly or forthcoming; distant in manner or behavior.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
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