reticent

USAGE SUMMARY

'reticent' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is unwilling to express their thoughts or emotions freely, such as in the sentence, "He was reticent when talking about his experience in the war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The reticent producer cut his teeth running similarly toned, small, dark basement events in Bristol, so he'll be right at home with City Bass's back-to-basics ethos, and his focused, skilful mixing of rarely heard 90s NY house'n'garage with prime UK modernism will put everyone in the right headspace to get down.

The Guardian - Music

This does not come out because normally we are reticent; we are not allowed to speak; we have various kinds of rules and regulations that prevent us from speaking about various topics.

The Guardian

The biography sensitively uncovers the facts of an unusual life that Fitzgerald was reticent about and reveals the voluminous research she undertook, then used economically in novels that appear simple on the surface but are complex masterpieces.

The Guardian - Books

More seriously, I have female friends who are reticent about relationships in case the men they are sleeping with are not who they say they are.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He seemed reticent, I left with a bitter taste," she said.

The Guardian

"I think maybe we are a bit too reticent about telling them that maybe they should go on a diet.

The Guardian

We have no qualms in telling people who are smokers that they ought to stop smoking, but we are reticent abut telling people to go on a diet.

The Guardian

On "shy kippers", a phenomenon repeatedly alluded to by Farage during the campaign, Evans said it was crucial to find out why those people were reticent in showing their support for the party.

The Guardian

Some forms of mobile phone contactless payment will also be accepted, although TfL has been more reticent to promote the technology at launch.

The Guardian - Money

Thinking back about our unlikely friendship, I realise that Jane, ever reticent, ever watchful, tested me in gentle ways until trust developed.

The Guardian - Arts

Without improved immunology, curators would have to be far more reticent about letting their animals move into larger and more populated enclosures.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reticent" to describe a deliberate choice to remain silent or reserved, often due to caution or discretion. Avoid using it when simple shyness or lack of confidence is the primary reason for someone's silence.

Common error

Don't use "reticent" when "shy" or "introverted" is more appropriate. "Reticent" implies a conscious withholding, while shyness suggests discomfort or anxiety in social situations.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "reticent" primarily functions to describe a quality of a person or entity, highlighting their tendency to be reserved or unwilling to speak freely. Ludwig confirms that this word is used correctly in the written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "reticent" describes a deliberate holding back of one's thoughts or feelings, and, according to Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and widely applicable in written English. It frequently appears in news and media outlets as well as more formal business contexts, conveying discretion or caution. Keep in mind that while the adjective shares similar meanings with words like "reserved" or "shy", it specifically implies a conscious choice to be unspoken rather than a natural disposition or lack of confidence. Therefore, select the most appropriate term that accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reserved in manner

Focuses on the outward behavior, emphasizing a deliberate control and formality.

uncommunicative nature

Highlights a general disinclination or inability to communicate effectively.

guarded in speech

Emphasizes caution and a desire to protect oneself when speaking.

hesitant to speak

Focuses on the pause or delay before speaking, indicating uncertainty or reluctance.

tight-lipped demeanor

Suggests a refusal to speak, often implying disapproval or resistance.

taciturn disposition

Implies a habitual silence and a preference for brevity in speech.

restrained in expression

Highlights the control and moderation of one's emotions and thoughts.

withholding information

Directly implies a deliberate act of keeping information secret.

secretive personality

Emphasizes a tendency to conceal one's thoughts, feelings, or activities.

circumspect in communication

Highlights careful and cautious communication, often due to potential risks or consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "reticent" in a sentence?

You can use "reticent" to describe someone who is unwilling to share their thoughts or feelings freely. For example: "The witness was "reticent" to provide details about the incident."

What's a good alternative to the word "reticent"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms like "reserved", "guarded", or "uncommunicative" as alternatives to "reticent".

What is the difference between "reticent" and "reluctant"?

"Reticent" implies a holding back in speech or expression, while "reluctant" indicates an unwillingness or disinclination to do something. You might be "reticent" to share information, but "reluctant" to participate in an activity.

Is it better to describe someone as "reticent" or "introverted"?

It depends on the situation. "Reticent" suggests a conscious choice to be reserved, while "introverted" describes a personality type that naturally gains energy from spending time alone.