Meaning & use
reticent
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Meanings
adjectivenot comparable
Not willing to talk much about your thoughts, feelings, or private matters.
Grammar: Used after linking verbs like be, seem, or remain; it describes a person or their manner: She was reticent about her plans.
Patterns
- reticent about something
- reticent on something
- reticent with someone
He was reticent about his childhood, answering even simple questions with a shrug.
The usually reticent manager surprised everyone by giving a long, personal speech.
She remained reticent with reporters, saying only that talks were continuing.
adjectivenot comparable
Reluctant to do something; unwilling to act or become involved.
Grammar: Often followed by to + infinitive: They were reticent to change the rules.
Patterns
- reticent to do something
Investors have been reticent to put money into new projects this year.
He seemed reticent to criticize his old friend in public.
Common combinations
- reticent about
- She is surprisingly reticent about her success.
- reticent on the subject
- The witness was reticent on the subject of money.
- naturally reticent
- He is naturally reticent and dislikes parties.
- reticent to comment
- The company was reticent to comment on the rumors.
- remain reticent
- Officials remain reticent about the investigation.
Synonyms and how they differ
- reserved
- Reserved describes a calm, self-controlled manner and is often neutral or positive; reticent emphasizes unwillingness to reveal information.
- tight-lipped
- Tight-lipped is more informal and suggests a firm refusal to speak, often about a specific secret.
- shy
- Shy means nervous around people in general, while reticent is specifically about not sharing thoughts or feelings.
- reluctant
- Reluctant is broader and can mean unwilling to do anything, not just unwilling to speak.
Opposites
Word family
- reticence noun
- The quality of being unwilling to speak or share information.
- reticently adverb
- In a way that shows unwillingness to speak.
Commonly confused: reticent or reluctant?
reticent vs reluctant
Reluctant means unwilling to do something in general; reticent is mainly about not wanting to talk.
Practice
She was ______ about her reasons for leaving the company.
Choose one answer.
After the linking verb 'was' we need the adjective 'reticent'. 'Reticence' and 'reluctance' are nouns, and 'reticently' is an adverb, so none of them can follow 'was' here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “reticent”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.