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

Loeb also writes about how science can be overly conservative at times—aiming his complaints in particular on the reticence to elevate the question of alien life to a more prominent place in our hypotheses about what we see in the universe around us.

From Nautilus

Welch, 36, understands the reticence but thinks it’s important to not ignore the elephant and the donkey in the room.

From Washington Post

Vincent Hutchings, a political science professor at the University of Michigan who specializes in voting and public opinion, said such reticence is stronger in neighborhoods that have historically been segregated.

From Washington Post

Taylor said he is encouraging former officials such as Mattis and Kelly to see that now is the time to break their self-imposed reticence.

From Washington Post

He says that he’s experienced “a great deal of reticence and non-movement” when it comes to promoting the program to the people who meet its requirements.

From Voice of San Diego

But there's a reticence to discuss or consider such acts of violence committed by women as legitimate.

From The Daily Beast

Her reticence is not uncommon among online supporters of Officer Wilson.

From The Daily Beast

Our reticence to state the obvious but unproven may be understandable, and even prudent, but it is not helpful.

From The Daily Beast

This reticence—this reserve—suits Beck's voice and personality much better than the confessional self-consciousness of Sea Change.

From The Daily Beast

It was natural that reticence would appear in their literature.

From The Daily Beast

And now to her candid and naturally confiding nature this reticence gave her almost a guilty feeling.

From Project Gutenberg

If we consult human nature, the only causes to which we can assign this reticence are, conscientious cowardice and dishonesty.

From Project Gutenberg

Is the reticence real or is this some wonderful trick of his, this making his guest feel superior?

From Project Gutenberg

You must not be angry with him, Art, because his very reticence means that all his brains are working for her good.

From Project Gutenberg

Such mysterious reticence was in direct opposition to ordinary governmental procedure in similar cases.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hesitation
• shyness