reticence

Sometimes reti·cen·cy

[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 Word Forms

• nonreticence 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

When he returns 16 years later, Redford puts the lines on his face and his trademark reticence to good use, tapping into our collective need for heroes and a belief in second chances.

From Los Angeles Times

Lois’ reticence about him mirrors our own vacillation with the DC Universe’s new direction: We need to see something more from this guy before we commit.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite human failings, a perceived lack of human control plays its part in our reticence to rely on tech in general, says entrepreneur Azeem Azhar, who writes the tech newsletter The Exponential View.

From BBC

Surf camp operators said that they understood parents’ reticence.

From Los Angeles Times

This is the likely explanation for the Northern Irishman's reticence to speak with reporters in his first major since completing the career Grand Slam.

From BBC

Related Words

• hesitation 
• shyness www.thesaurus.com