What does reticence mean?
Reticence is a formal word for the condition of holding back one's words, thoughts, or feelings, especially when speaking openly would require confidence or expose personal information. It can describe a person's general disposition, as in someone known for his reticence, or a particular moment of hesitation before someone reveals a secret or gives an opinion. The word often carries a neutral or mildly approving connotation, suggesting caution, privacy, or thoughtfulness, though it can also imply excessive secrecy or awkwardness. Reticence is more common in formal writing, journalism, and literary contexts than in casual speech. Its close relatives include reticent, meaning reserved or reluctant to speak, and reticently, an adverb describing such conduct. Together, these forms are useful when discussing not only silence itself, but the deliberate or socially meaningful withholding of speech.
nounThe habit or quality of being reluctant to speak freely or disclose one's thoughts and feelings. It can also refer to a period or instance of such reserve.
- The quality or habit of being reserved or reluctant to speak freely.
- A temporary reluctance to speak, answer, or disclose information.
"After several minutes of reticence, she finally admitted that she had been worried."
"His initial reticence gave way to an animated discussion about the proposal."
"The witness's reticence during the interview prompted further questioning."
Usually used as an uncountable noun for a general quality or period of reserve; the plural is uncommon.
"The interview revealed several separate reticences in his account of the events."
Reticence is the silence that often says more than an explanation would.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reticence come from?
Reticence entered English in the late 16th century from Latin reticentia, meaning silence or reserve. Latin reticentia was derived from reticere, “to be silent,” which combined the prefix re- with tacere, “to be silent.” The English adjective reticent and adverb reticently continue this Latin root.
Related word forms
How reticence is actually used
Reticence is formal and often suggests deliberate reserve, caution, or embarrassment. It is more common in writing than in everyday conversation.
Easily confused with reticence
Reticence specifically concerns a reluctance to speak or reveal information, whereas reluctance can apply more broadly to unwillingness to act, agree, or participate.
Reticence may describe a temporary or situational reserve, while taciturnity more often describes a person's habitual tendency to say little.