reticence
IPA: rˈɛtɪsʌns
noun
- (uncountable, also figuratively) Avoidance of saying or reluctance to say too much; discretion, tight-lippedness; (countable) an instance of acting in this manner.
- (uncountable) A silent and reserved nature.
- (uncountable) Followed by of: discretion or restraint in the use of something.
- (uncountable, proscribed) Often followed by to: hesitancy or reluctance (to do something).
- (countable, uncountable, rhetoric, obsolete) Synonym of aposiopesis (“an abrupt breaking-off in speech”)
verb
- (transitive, rare) To deliberately not listen or pay attention to; to disregard, to ignore.
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Examples of "reticence" in Sentences
- I have no choice in this reticence.
- I understand your quietness and reticence.
- He is known for his reticence and charisma.
- His reticence was not grounded in false modesty.
- But his reticence was not grounded in false modesty.
- Reticence is admirable in some circumstances, but not this one.
- Coping with communication anxiety and reticence in the classroom.
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