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. ); reticent ( def. )

Example Sentences

Over the years, many Catholics have wondered about the apparent contradiction between this open display of faith and the Gospel’s call for secrecy and public reticence in matters of religion.

From The Wall Street Journal

As the play proceeds we observe that Mira’s emotional reticence may be an inherited trait.

From The Wall Street Journal

In contrast with their reticence on Venezuela, European governments saw little choice but to speak out on Greenland.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet the reticence from car buyers toward the end of last year portend a potentially volatile year marked by uncertainty around tariffs and the broader economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

There had been evidence of reticence to hiring ahead of the U.K. government budget announcement toward the end of November.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• hesitation
• shyness