What does reticent mean synonym?
Some common synonyms of reticent are reserved, secretive, silent, and taciturn. While all these words mean “showing restraint in speaking,” reticent implies a reluctance to speak out or at length, especially about one’s own affairs.
What does Retinance mean?
1 : the quality or state of being reticent : reserve, restraint. 2 : an instance of being reticent. 3 : reluctance sense 1.
Is reticent positive or negative?
It usually implies a strong negative connotation. Reticent imparts less of a negative feeling. You could be reluctant to be harsh with another person, whereas you might be reticent about speaking up because you are shy.
Is reticent same as reluctant?
While ‘reticent’ originally meant “inclined to be silent,” it can now also be used as a synonym for ‘reluctant’—most often in the case of reluctant communication. When reticent means “reluctant” or “hesitant” today, it often does so in the context of reluctant communication of one kind or another.
What are two synonyms for reticent?
synonyms for reticent
- bashful.
- hesitant.
- mum.
- reserved.
- restrained.
- shy.
- silent.
- taciturn.
What causes reticent?
Reasons include low English proficiency, personality, fear of speaking, difficulty of the task, fear of making mistakes, unfamiliarity with the interlocutor and the environment, teacher’ teaching style, and lack of familiarity with the task.
How do you use reticent?
Reticent Sentence Examples Even the reticent members participated enthusiastically. He is initially reticent, unsure of the motives for my questions. Thornton was equally reticent about both issues when I spoke to him. Danger appears not to stir him, but he becomes reticent when asked about his work.
Who is a reticent person?
Reticent can refer to someone who is restrained and formal, but it can also refer to someone who doesn’t want to draw attention to herself or who prefers seclusion to other people. Don’t confuse reticent with reluctant, which means unwilling.
Is being reticent a bad thing?
By comparison, reticent means quiet, restrained, unwilling to communicate. Despite the unwillingness component, reticent imparts less of a negative feeling: They were reticent about their main concerns, and few wanted to talk about how they voted.
Why do people say reticent when they mean reluctant?
People sometimes confuse the words reluctant and reticent. Reluctant means unwilling or disinclined. It comes from a Latin word meaning “to struggle.” Reticent comes from the Latin word for “silent” and has traditionally been limited to describing speech.
What does the word reticent mean?
Definition of reticent. 1 : inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech : reserved. 2 : restrained in expression, presentation, or appearance the room has an aspect of reticent dignity— A. N. Whitehead.
What does reticence mean?
Definition of reticence. 1 : the quality or state of being reticent : reserve, restraint. 2 : an instance of being reticent.
What is the adjective for reticent?
What does reticent mean? Reluctant; unwilling. (adjective) An example of reticent is a student who never raises her hand or answers a question in class.