with reticence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with reticence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone doing something in a reserved or hesitant manner, often implying a reluctance to speak or act openly. Example: "She accepted the award with reticence, unsure of how to respond to the applause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Clinton's hankering for privacy should not be confused with reticence.

The Guardian

McEwan speaks of Allen with reticence, saying only, "My first wife was very New Age.

The New Yorker

The danger of German success combined with reticence is inward-looking complacency.

The New York Times

When the writer and Anna talk, it is with reticence; the writer broods about this.

The New Yorker

With reticence a thing of the past, what is the novelist to do?

The Guardian - Books

If so, Dianne Reeves is their opposite: she's only lightly concerned with reticence.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

That he is still widely unknown, despite his recent receipt of the IMPAC award for fiction, may have less to do with his reticence than with the source of his eloquence: Cape Breton, where his stories are rooted, is both geographically and culturally remote.

The Guardian - Books

This is worth having for the first track alone: an impeccable account of Finzi's Come Away, Death, with Ian Bostridge blending melancholy and nonchalance, Antonio Pappano accompanying with tender reticence.

The Guardian - Music

At a party the night before, Charlie and his good buddy Lewis, played with nervous reticence by Liam Craig, had gotten themselves into a verbal duel with Clea, a nymphet with a dubious past, hilariously played by Christy McIntosh.

The New York Times

When Jonathan Cope first began dancing principal roles he seemed the archetypal English dancer, blessed with an elegant, elastic line and perfect partnering manners, yet cursed with a reticence that bordered on dullness.

The Guardian

In other memoirs of Davidian survivors, the issue is treated with similar reticence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with reticence" to describe situations where someone is hesitant to speak openly or act boldly, suggesting a degree of reservation or reluctance. It adds a nuanced layer of meaning that simple hesitation might not capture.

Common error

Avoid using "with reticence" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase has a formal tone and can sound unnatural if used in everyday situations where simpler words like "hesitantly" or "reluctantly" would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with reticence" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing how someone speaks, acts, or communicates.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with reticence" is a prepositional phrase that describes actions performed with reservation or hesitation. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts like news articles and books. While alternatives like "with hesitation" or "with reluctance" exist, "with reticence" adds a specific nuance of unwillingness or emotional restraint. Understanding its appropriate usage can help writers convey subtle shades of meaning in their work. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides helpful examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with hesitation

Indicates a pause or reluctance before speaking or acting, highlighting the uncertainty or discomfort involved.

with reluctance

Emphasizes unwillingness or resistance in performing an action or expressing a thought.

guardedly

Highlights a cautious or protective manner in speech or behavior, suggesting a fear of vulnerability.

reservedly

Implies a restrained or subdued manner, showing a preference for privacy and limited expression.

with constraint

Suggests holding back or limiting one's expressions or actions, often due to external pressures or internal inhibitions.

with reserve

Similar to "reservedly", indicating a deliberate holding back of emotion or information.

hesitantly

Focuses on the uncertain and wavering quality of the action or speech.

circumspectly

Emphasizes careful consideration and avoidance of risks in one's behavior or communication.

gingerly

Implies handling a situation or topic with extreme care and caution, as if it were fragile or dangerous.

taciturnly

Highlights a tendency to be silent or uncommunicative, often stemming from a lack of willingness to engage.

FAQs

How can I use "with reticence" in a sentence?

You can use "with reticence" to describe how someone acts or speaks when they are reserved or hesitant. For example, "She accepted the compliment "with reticence", unsure how to respond."

What are some alternatives to "with reticence"?

Alternatives include "with hesitation", "with reluctance", or "guardedly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "with reticence" formal or informal?

"With reticence" is generally considered a formal expression. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What does it mean to act "with reticence"?

To act "with reticence" means to behave in a reserved, hesitant, or unwilling manner, often indicating a lack of openness or enthusiasm.