adj
reticent
REH-tih-suhnt
adj
1
Unwilling to share thoughts, feelings, or information freely.
"He was reticent about his time in the army."
2
Reluctant to do something.
"She was reticent to sign the contract without reading it fully."
How to Use Reticent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishQuiet or guarded about sharing information — someone who holds back rather than speaking freely.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "reluctant" (unwilling to act) — reticent is specifically about being reserved in speech or sharing information, though the two senses overlap in casual use.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
reticent about
remain reticent
Word Forms
more reticent comparative, most reticent superlative
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Etymology
From Latin reticens, "keeping silent," from reticere ("to remain silent").