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reticence

/ˈrɛtɪsəns/
IPA guide

Other forms: reticences

Reticence is a kind of reserve, wanting to avoid communication and not wanting to offer any more information than is necessary.

Reticence is a noun originating from the Latin word reticent, meaning “remaining silent.” Someone charged with a crime might be instructed by their lawyer to show reticence when being questioned by police. As a child, reticence saved you from getting in trouble when mom asked who ate all the cookies from the jar.

Definitions of reticence
  1. noun
    the trait of being uncommunicative; not volunteering anything more than necessary
    synonyms: reserve, taciturnity
    see moresee less
    type of:
    uncommunicativeness
    the trait of being uncommunicative
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