reticency

ret·i·cence

R r

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [ret-uh-suh ns]
- /ˈrɛt ə səns/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [ret-uh-suh ns]
- /ˈrɛt ə səns/

Definitions of reticency word

noun reticency the state of being reticent, or reserved, especially with regard to speaking freely; restraint: His natural reticence seemed to disappear under the influence of alcohol. 1
adjective reticency disposed to be silent or not to speak freely; reserved. 1
adjective reticency reluctant or restrained. 1

See all 3 definitions of reticency

Information block about the term

Origin of reticency

First appearance:

before 1825

One of the 37% newest English words

1825-35; < Latin reticent- (stem of reticēns), present participle of reticēre to be silent, equivalent to re- re- + -tic-, combining form of tacēre to be silent (cf. tacit) + -ent- -ent

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Reticency

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Reticency

reticency popularity

This term is known only to a narrow circle of people with rare knowledge. Only 7% of English native speakers know the meaning of this word.

According to our data most of word are more popular. This word is almost not used. It has a much more popular synonym.

reticency usage trend in Literature

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Synonyms for reticency

adverb reticency

bashfully — In a bashful manner.
cagily — cautious, wary, or shrewd: a cagey reply to the probing question.
diffidently — lacking confidence in one's own ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy.

All 3 Synonyms of reticency