Reticent: meaning, definitions and examples
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reticent
[ ˈrɛtɪsənt ]
in communication
Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She was reticent about her past.
- He is usually reticent in meetings.
in behavior
Inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She is naturally reticent.
- His reticent demeanor often leads to misunderstandings.
in social settings
Reluctant to draw attention to oneself
Synonyms
modest, self-effacing, unassuming
Examples of usage
- She was reticent at the party.
- He tends to be reticent in large groups.
Translations
Translations of the word "reticent" in other languages:
🇵🇹 reticente
🇮🇳 अल्पभाषी
🇩🇪 zurückhaltend
🇮🇩 pendiam
🇺🇦 стриманий
🇵🇱 niechętny
🇯🇵 控えめな
🇫🇷 réservé
🇪🇸 reticente
🇹🇷 çekingen
🇰🇷 과묵한
🇸🇦 متحفظ
🇨🇿 zdrženlivý
🇸🇰 zdrženlivý
🇨🇳 沉默寡言的
🇸🇮 zadržan
🇮🇸 þögull
🇰🇿 ұстамды
🇬🇪 თავშეკავებული
🇦🇿 çəkimser
🇲🇽 reticente
Word origin
The word 'reticent' comes from the Latin word 'reticentem' which means 'remaining silent'. It has been used in English since the 19th century to describe someone who is reserved or inclined to be silent. The concept of reticence has been valued in various cultures as a sign of modesty or respect. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass not only silence in speech but also reluctance to draw attention or reveal one's thoughts easily.