reticent
reluctant to speak or reveal one's thoughts and feelings
Word origin: From Latin reticere, to keep silent.
Reticent in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing reticent in a sentence.
Normally reticent, he surprised everyone by speaking openly about his past.
The witness remained reticent about her own role, answering only the questions she could not avoid.
Using “reticent” well
Reticent strictly means reluctant to speak or disclose one's thoughts, not merely hesitant in general. Avoid the loose use of reticent to mean reluctant to act, which careful writers reject.
More GRE words starting with R
holding or expressing an opinion with extreme and uncompromising zeal
a person skilled at telling entertaining anecdotes and stories
to complain bitterly or protest in harsh, abusive language
to talk or write at length in a confused, aimless way
spreading or flourishing unchecked, especially of something harmful
loosely held together and on the verge of collapse from neglect
bitter, long-lasting resentment or ill will
marked by deep-seated bitterness or hostility
Questions about “reticent”
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