adj.
Pronunciation: -s ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin reticent-, reticens, present participle of retic ē re to keep silent, from re- + tac ē re to be silent ― more at TACIT
Date: circa 1834
1 : inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech : RESERVED
2 : restrained in expression, presentation, or appearance <the room has an aspect of reticent dignity ― A. N. Whitehead>
3 : RELUCTANT
synonyms see SILENT
– ret · i · cent · ly adverb