reticence

USAGE SUMMARY

"reticence" is a real word and it is used in written English.
It is an adjective meaning "inclined to be silent or reserved; not speaking freely". For example, "The guest was uncharacteristically reticent throughout the dinner, speaking only when someone addressed them directly".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such reticence is understandable in a city where many residents assume that officials use construction projects to siphon state funds.

The Guardian

And they were right – his comment on the matter reads like a masterpiece of stuttering reticence: "It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the actions of some offenders were influenced… at least to some degree, by the fact that the deceased was an Aboriginal person".

The Guardian

There may be a number of reasons for this reticence, all related to the party's current problems, both political and personal.

The Guardian

She's at least putting up a front of reticence.

The Guardian

Jane's reticence about taking my photo never bothered me because I understood it was her way of saying she had grown very fond of me.

The Guardian - Arts

David Haye famously refrained from sex for six weeks before his fights, explaining his reticence with the mantra: "Find a lion that hasn't had some food for a while, and you've got a dangerous cat".

The Guardian - Sport

"Part of the reticence comes out of the sense that many diets fail or, more accurately, many people who try to diet fail.

The Guardian

This reticence to confront and expose the IRA's misdemeanours was rooted in the Hume/Adams process when the then SDLP leader courageously explored dialogue with Sinn Fein to ensure an IRA ceasefire.

The Guardian

Pope Francis is known in his native Argentina as a man of austere habits, long pregnant pauses in conversation and a reticence about discussing himself.

The Guardian

When they first started giving interviews to the media, they gained a reputation for extreme reticence verging on arrogance.

The Guardian - Music

Yet no industry can afford to neglect half its potential market, and perfume-makers are ever keen to crack the shell of male reticence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reticence" to describe a deliberate choice to remain silent or reserved, often due to caution, discretion, or a desire to avoid conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "reticence" when describing an inability to speak due to a lack of knowledge or understanding. "Reticence" implies a conscious withholding of information, not a lack of it.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reticence" is as a noun, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing a state or quality of being reserved or unwilling to speak. Ludwig AI validates this as a real word in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reticence" is a noun denoting a state of being reserved or unwilling to speak freely, often stemming from caution or discretion. Ludwig AI confirms it as a valid and frequently used term in English writing. Its usage is most common in news, media, and business contexts, with the primary function of describing behavior or attitude. When writing, use "reticence" to describe a deliberate choice to remain silent, and avoid using it when the silence is due to a lack of knowledge. Consider synonyms such as "reserve", "taciturnity", or "shyness" to capture nuances in meaning. As the provided examples from Ludwig demonstrate, "reticence" is a versatile term applicable in various scenarios where silence carries significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taciturnity

Refers to the habit of being habitually silent or reserved.

reserved nature

Emphasizes the characteristic of being habitually restrained or withdrawn in social interactions.

restraint in expression

Emphasizes the controlled and deliberate nature of one's communication.

lack of candor

Highlights the absence of openness and honesty in communication.

disinclination to speak

Focuses on the unwillingness or reluctance to engage in conversation.

hesitancy in speech

Highlights the act of pausing or being slow to speak, often due to uncertainty or reluctance.

guardedness

Implies a cautious and protective attitude in expressing oneself.

secretiveness

Underscores the tendency to keep information hidden or private.

uncommunicativeness

Highlights a general failure or inability to convey thoughts and feelings effectively.

shyness

Focuses on the feeling of discomfort or anxiety in social situations that leads to silence.

FAQs

How to use "reticence" in a sentence?

"Reticence" is a noun that describes the quality of being reserved or restrained in communication. For example, "His "reticence" during the meeting made it difficult to gauge his true feelings about the project."

What can I say instead of "reticence"?

You can use alternatives like "reserve", "taciturnity", "shyness", or "secrecy" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. For instance, if you mean a general unwillingness to speak, consider "taciturnity". If you mean a deliberate holding back, consider "reserve".

Which is correct, "reticence" or "reticent"?

"Reticence" is a noun referring to the state of being reserved, while "reticent" is an adjective describing someone who is reserved or unwilling to speak freely. Example: "His "reticence" was noticeable because he is normally so talkative." (noun); "He was "reticent" to discuss the details of the agreement." (adjective).

What's the difference between "reticence" and "reluctance"?

"Reticence" implies a deliberate holding back of information or a tendency to be silent, often due to caution or discretion. "Reluctance", on the other hand, implies unwillingness or disinclination to do something or to agree with something. You demonstrate "reticence" by not speaking; you demonstrate "reluctance" by hesitating to act.