Definition

The quality of being reserved or not revealing one's thoughts or feelings easily.

Example

Her reticency in sharing personal information made her seem mysterious to her colleagues.

Conversation

I noticed you've been a bit quiet lately.

Yeah, I've been feeling some reticence about sharing my thoughts.

That's understandable, sometimes it's hard to open up.

True, but I appreciate you noticing and asking.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Reticency → It is formed from "reticent" (from Latin "reticentem", meaning remaining silent or reserved) and the suffix "-cy" (meaning the state or condition of). The word "reticency" refers to the state of being reserved or inclined to keep one's thoughts and feelings to oneself.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'reserved' ('reticent') and how that describes their 'state' ('-cy') of not sharing much.

Visually Confused Words