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

That new reticence—and Dean’s own reputation as one of AI’s leading lights—have made his pronouncements hard to miss.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the solar industry now faces a reckoning from the loss of federal support, consumer reticence, and an increase in costs.

From Barron's

But the solar industry now faces a reckoning from the loss of federal support, consumer reticence, and an increase in costs.

From Barron's

Such baseless reticence only makes us more defiant and less inquisitive.

From Salon

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

Related Words

• hesitation
• shyness