adjective
Other Word Forms
- nonreticent adjective
- nonreticently adverb
- reticence noun
- reticency noun
- reticently adverb
- unreticent adjective
- unreticently adverb
Etymology
Origin of reticent
First recorded in 1825–35; from Latin reticent- (stem of reticēns ), present participle of reticēre “to be silent,” equivalent to re- “again, back” + -tic-, combining form of tacēre “to be silent” ( tacit ) + -ent- adjective suffix; re-, -ent
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How does reticent compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Disney’s struggles with succession over the decades have become epic dramas filled with false starts, larger-than-life leaders reticent to go and allegations of hollow searches for a new CEO.
From Los Angeles Times
But some companies already appear reticent, in part because they worry about the legal and financial risks they would be taking.
From Barron's
However, many investors are reticent to sell stocks short.
From MarketWatch
Koepka took no legal action against the tour when he left and was always reticent to join LIV's outspoken stance against the golfing establishment.
From BBC
Susan Cain, author of the seminal book on introverts, “Quiet,” recommends meeting hosts identify “more reticent” team members in advance.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
