reticently
|ret-i-cent-ly|
/ˈrɛtɪsəntli/
(reticent)
reserved
Etymology
'reticent' originates from Latin, specifically the present-participial stem 'reticēns' of 'reticēre', where 're-' meant 'back' and 'ticēre' (related to 'tacēre') meant 'to be silent'.
'reticent' changed from Latin 'reticēns' into Medieval/Modern Latin and then influenced Old/Middle French forms (e.g. French 'réticent'), and was ultimately borrowed into English as 'reticent'; the adverb 'reticently' was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly'.
Initially, it meant 'keeping silent' or 'being silent' in Latin, but over time it evolved into the modern English sense of 'inclined to be silent or reserved; unwilling to speak or reveal feelings.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or quality of being reticent; restraint in speech or expression (transformation of the base form: 'reticence').
His reticence made it hard to know what he really thought.
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Adjective 1
being unwilling to speak or express thoughts; reserved (This is the base form: 'reticent').
He remained reticent about his early life.
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Adverb 1
in a reserved, reluctant, or uncommunicative manner; showing restraint in speech or expression.
She reticently answered the reporter's questions.
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Last updated: 2026/01/12 09:33