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Glite Dictionary
reticently

reticently

8.0
In a quiet way, not wanting to speak or give information
  • adverb
  • /ˈrɛtɪsəntli/
translation icon : reticentemente
  • The child responded reticently when asked about his day at school, choosing to remain silent.

Examples

  • He took a long quaff while I regarded my mug more reticently.

    Fiction book (1996)

  • She spoke reticently about her past, avoiding any detailed descriptions.

  • Despite his knowledge, he often answered reticently in meetings, preferring to listen rather than share.

Synonyms

shyly
vsreticently
15 1.0

Behave in a quiet, nervous way around other people

is about reluctance to share facts, not only fear of attention
hesitantly
vsreticently
14 3.2

In a slow, unsure way because of doubt

is more a deliberate unwillingness than simple uncertainty when speaking
demurely
vsreticently
3 6.1

In a quiet, modest way that shows shyness

focuses more on silence and withholding information rather than modesty
diffidently
vsreticently
1 7.9

In a shy way that shows little confidence

is about unwillingness to speak rather than low self confidence
bashfully
vsreticently
1 3.5

In a shy, embarrassed way that avoids eye contact

is more about holding back speech than mere embarrassment
hesitatingly
vsreticently
1 6.1

In a slow, unsure way that shows doubt

is about quiet reluctance to share, not only momentary doubt
taciturnly
vsreticently
9.1

To act in a quiet, reserved way and say very little

is more about staying quiet and not sharing information
reservedly
vsreticently
7.4

In a quiet, careful way that does not show feelings or strong opinions

is more about holding back speech specifically rather than general restraint

Antonyms

expressively
1 3.7

In a way that shows feelings and thoughts clearly

How Reserved

silently
129 1.2
reticently
8.0

Surface Forms

reticently positive

Morphology

reticently = reticent (transparent) = reticent + ly

The adverb is a straightforward adjectival-to-adverb derivation by adding '-ly' to the adjective 'reticent'.

Etymology

Reticently comes from Latin parts re- 'back' and tacere 'to be silent', and it is like the English word tacit, which also means 'quiet'. So to act reticently is to say very little or to keep your thoughts to yourself.