reticence

American  

[ret-uh-suhns] / ˈrɛt ə səns /

Sometimes reticency

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonreticence
  noun

Etymology

Origin of reticence

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. ); see reticent ( def. )

Explanation

Reticence is a kind of reserve, wanting to avoid communication and not wanting to offer any more information than is necessary. Reticence is a noun originating from the Latin word reticent, meaning “remaining silent.” Someone charged with a crime might be instructed by their lawyer to show reticence when being questioned by police. As a child, reticence saved you from getting in trouble when mom asked who ate all the cookies from the jar.

Example Sentences

Reticence, and the unwillingness to acknowledge reticence, stunts “Growing,” but I think that I understand Schumer’s detachment.

From The New Yorker • Mar. 20, 2019

Reticence to engage in group activities is seen as a failing, even a potential sign of deeper psychological problems.

From Slate • Oct. 5, 2012

Reticence also greeted the popular rock singer-songwriter Kazuyoshi Saito when, stirred by the crisis, he reworked his April 2010 single “I Always Loved You,” with new lyrics and renamed it “It Was Always a Lie.”

From New York Times • Jun. 30, 2011

Reticence and reluctance to engage are no longer options, in his estimation.

From Washington Post

Reticence should guard the soul and only those who have compassion should be admitted to the shrine.

From Margot Asquith, an Autobiography - Two Volumes in One by Asquith, Margot

Related Words

• hesitation
• shyness