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.

---

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

Its home country, Germany, is shedding its postwar reticence on military spending to lead the charge.

From The Wall Street Journal

This reticence kept Shepard from being a great actor instead of a trusted one.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the biographer also makes clear that Roth cultivated reticence with the same zeal with which he flaunted candor.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

• hesitation
• shyness