Synonyms for reticence


Grammar : Noun
Spell : ret-uh-suh ns
Phonetic Transcription : ˈrɛt ə səns


Définition of reticence

Origin :
  • c.1600, from Middle French réticence (16c.), from Latin reticentia "silence, a keeping silent," from present participle stem of reticere "keep silent," from re- (see re-), + tacere "be silent" (see tacit). "Not in common use until after 1830" [OED].
  • noun silence
Example sentences :
  • In his reticence he had the sense of atoning not only to the apparition but to Miss Hernshaw too.
  • Extract from : « Questionable Shapes » by William Dean Howells
  • In no duty towards others is there more need of reticence and self-restraint.
  • Extract from : « The Republic » by Plato
  • The young man had no conversation, and his reticence was quite embarrassing.
  • Extract from : « The Christian » by Hall Caine
  • After all, Audrey had stated her case a little vaguely—there was a reticence as to details.
  • Extract from : « Audrey Craven » by May Sinclair
  • Now I understand Mr. Briggs' civility, the tradesmen's reticence.
  • Extract from : « The Harmsworth Magazine, v. 1, 1898-1899, No. 2 » by Various
  • There had been grave indiscretions, lack of reticence, and other faults in the book.
  • Extract from : « James Boswell » by William Keith Leask
  • May I be preserved from any such personal selfishness and reticence as this!
  • Extract from : « Tales of Fishes » by Zane Grey
  • That reticence was part of the general constraint lying upon them all.
  • Extract from : « Within the Tides » by Joseph Conrad
  • They have the usual British characteristic of reticence intensified.
  • Extract from : « Policing the Plains » by R.G. MacBeth
  • But she did not wince, for she was by now bitterly accustomed to this reticence and self-control.
  • Extract from : « In a Little Town » by Rupert Hughes

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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019