Word
reticent
Phoneticsret·i·cent, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹɛtɪsənt/
UK/ɹˈɛtɪsənt/
Definition
adj. not quick to share your thoughts, feelings, or plans with other people. You use it for someone who stays quiet in a group.
adj. reluctant to speak freely or reveal thoughts, feelings, or intentions; inclined toward reserve in conversation. Often follows linking verbs such as 'seem' or 'remain' and takes 'about' or 'to' with an infinitive.
Examples
“She stays reticent in meetings and rarely shares ideas.”
“The new manager remains reticent about the layoffs until the board approves the final plan.”
“Long celebrated for candour, the novelist grew reticent in later interviews, answering questions about inspiration with polite deflections that revealed little.”
Examples
simple
“She stays reticent in meetings and rarely shares ideas.”
contextual
“The new manager remains reticent about the layoffs until the board approves the final plan.”
complex
“Long celebrated for candour, the novelist grew reticent in later interviews, answering questions about inspiration with polite deflections that revealed little.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “reticent” in context.
Verb
01. become reticent
“He became reticent after reporters misquoted his earlier comments.”
verb + adj
02. remain reticent
“The minister chose to remain reticent throughout the corruption inquiry.”
verb + adj
03. reticent about
“She was reticent about her travel plans for security reasons.”
adj + prep
04. reticent to commit
“Investors remain reticent to commit funds before the election result.”
adj + to-inf
05. reticent to speak
“Many employees were reticent to speak openly during the restructuring.”
adj + to-inf
06. stay reticent
“Despite media pressure, the CEO decided to stay reticent about the takeover.”
verb + adj
Adjective
07. naturally reticent
“Our new colleague is naturally reticent and rarely joins office conversations.”
adv + adj
Noun
08. reticent disposition
“His reticent disposition makes him an unlikely choice for team leader.”
adj + noun
09. reticent leader
“As a reticent leader, she prefers listening to dominating meetings.”
adj + noun
10. reticent witness
“The police struggled to get details from the reticent witness.”
adj + noun
11. a naturally reticent person
“As a naturally reticent person, he avoids large networking events.”
12. remain reticent about the details
“The company chose to remain reticent about the details of the settlement.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs; typically followed by 'about' or 'to' + infinitive.
Real-World Examples
“While Ms. Sit appears more ready to retire, her husband remains reticent about discussing a potential successor.” “Working collaboratively suits Mr. Bernard, who is quite private and reticent to take credit.” Etymology
Latin reticēns, present participle of reticeō (“to keep silence”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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