reticence
C1formal
Definition
Meaning
The quality of being reserved, restrained, or unwilling to communicate one's thoughts or feelings freely.
A tendency to be silent, discreet, or guarded in speech or expression; can imply a deliberate or natural avoidance of saying too much.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries a positive connotation of discretion, tact, or thoughtfulness, but can sometimes imply excessive or stubborn reserve. Not typically used for pathological conditions like mutism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major semantic differences. Slightly more common in formal British contexts, but standard in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, it often implies a chosen, dignified reserve rather than mere shyness.
Frequency
Low-frequency formal word in both; perhaps marginally more frequent in British literary/academic prose.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
reticence about [noun/gerund]reticence to [infinitive]reticence on the part of [person]reticence concerning [topic]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Break one's reticence (to finally speak)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Reticence to disclose financial projections can frustrate investors.
Academic
The author's methodological reticence makes the study difficult to replicate.
Everyday
His reticence at the party made him seem a bit standoffish.
Technical
(Clinical) Not typically a technical term; 'selective mutism' would be used for a psychological condition.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The verb 'reticence' does not exist. Use 'be reticent'.
- She reticenced (incorrect).
American English
- The verb 'reticence' does not exist. Use 'be reticent'.
- He reticenced (incorrect).
adverb
British English
- 'Reticently' is rare but valid. He nodded reticently.
- She answered the questions reticently.
American English
- 'Reticently' is rare. He agreed reticently to the proposal.
- The official spoke reticently to the press.
adjective
British English
- He was unusually reticent about his holiday plans.
- The committee members remained reticent during the vote.
American English
- She's been reticent to discuss the merger details.
- The witness grew reticent when asked about the money.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is quiet. He shows reticence.
- Her reticence made it hard to know what she was thinking.
- There was some reticence among the team about the new rules.
- The minister's reticence on the issue fueled media speculation.
- After initial reticence, she agreed to give an interview.
- His famed reticence crumbled when discussing his childhood, revealing a torrent of memories.
- The board's reticence to endorse the radical proposal stemmed from prudential fears rather than opposition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RETICulated python — it stays still and quiet, coiled up, not making a sound. REticence is about holding back speech.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS A FLUID; RETICENCE IS A DAM/RESTRAINT. (e.g., 'He broke his reticence', 'a flood of words after initial reticence').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'reticence' ≠ 'reticentnost'' (a false friend).
- Do not confuse with 'shyness' ('stesnitel'nost'') – reticence is more about deliberate withholding.
- Closer to 'sderzhannost'' in speech or 'umolchanie'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean 'shyness' in all contexts (it's more specific).
- Misspelling as 'reticance'.
- Using it in overly informal contexts where 'quietness' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'reticence' in a formal context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is context-dependent. It can be positive (discreet, thoughtful) or negative (unhelpfully secretive, cold).
Shyness is an emotional state of nervousness. Reticence is a behavioural choice or tendency to withhold speech, which may be due to shyness, discretion, or other reasons.
Yes, e.g., 'the government's reticence to release the data', 'cultural reticence about discussing mental health'.
'About' and 'to' (with an infinitive) are most common: 'reticence about details', 'reticence to commit'. 'On' and 'concerning' are also used in formal contexts.
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