In a reserved, cautious, and discreet manner; with a reluctance to speak or offer information freely. It describes a behavior characterized by a guardedness in expression, keeping thoughts and feelings private, and avoiding unnecessary communication. This could be due to shyness, uncertainty, fear, or simply a preference for privacy. The reticent individual tends to choose their words carefully, often weighing the implications before speaking and avoiding drawing attention to themselves. It implies a deliberate effort to remain understated and keep one's own counsel.
Reticently meaning with examples
- At the family gathering, Maria, feeling self-conscious, answered questions about her new job reticently, offering only brief, non-committal responses. She kept her worries to herself, preferring to observe and absorb the atmosphere before committing to any lengthy explanations about the challenges she was facing. Her quietness, though noticeable, helped her to maintain a sense of control.
- The witness, understandably anxious about the trial, spoke reticently, providing only the bare minimum of details requested by the lawyer. The gravity of the situation was apparent in their cautious delivery, making certain to avoid any unnecessary elaboration which might reveal some information that could be misconstrued or cause further issues.
- The shy child at the party reticently retreated to the corner, clutching their favorite toy and observing the other children playing. They offered minimal replies to greetings, preferring the comfort of their own company. Their social anxiety was visible, and their reticent behavior revealed the discomfort with the noisy environment.
- After the heated argument, the usually talkative team member became reticently quiet, avoiding eye contact and refraining from participating in the discussions. It was clear that they were still processing the conflict, choosing silence as a way to regain composure and the focus required to make decisions, despite the discomfort it brought.
- The artist, known for their vibrant public persona, spoke reticently about their personal struggles and the inspiration behind their work in their first interview. They gave only enough information to provide a minimal explanation, leaving the audience with only hints of their inner world, demonstrating a need for privacy.