Words / C2

RET-isnt/ˈretɪsnt/

Reticent means unwilling to speak about your thoughts or feelings — reserved on purpose. Quiet is everyday and may be temperament; shy is about social fear; taciturn (elsewhere in this dictionary) is habitually saying little. Reticence is the noun, and you are reticent about + topic. In speech, not forthcoming or she does not like to talk about it is enough — it is not a synonym for reluctant to act.

Meaning

Unwilling to talk about your thoughts or feelings (formal).

Examples

• “He was reticent about his exam results.”
• “He was reticent about the inquiry, even with friends.”
• “Reticence in a viva can look like not knowing; prepare a short answer.”

Good to know

reticent about + topic. Unwilling to talk. Noun: reticence. Everyday: not forthcoming. Contrast: taciturn = habitually quiet; shy = fearful.

Near in meaning

reserved

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