Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Reticence
Ret′i-cence
,Noun.
[L.
reticentia
: cf. F. réticence
.] 1.
The quality or state of being reticent, or keeping silence; the state of holding one’s tonque; refraining to speak of that which is suggested; uncommunicativeness.
Such fine reserve and noble
reticence
. Tennyson.
2.
(Rhet.)
A figure by which a person really speaks of a thing while he makes a show as if he would say nothingon the subject.
Webster 1828 Edition
Reticence
RET'ICENCE
,Definition 2024
reticence
reticence
See also: réticence
English
Noun
reticence (countable and uncountable, plural reticences)
- tight-lippedness, discretion, avoidance of saying too much
- a silent and reserved nature
Quotations
- 1890, Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray:
- Basil's absurd fits of jealousy, his wild devotion, his extravagant panegyrics, his curious reticences, — he understood them all now, and he felt sorry.
- 1897, Bram Stoker, Dracula:
- You must not be angry with him, Art, because his very reticence means that all his brains are working for her good.
Synonyms
- reserve, secrecy, taciturnity
- bashfulness, demureness, diffidence, quietness, reservation, shyness, timidity
Antonyms
Translations
the avoidance of saying too much
a silent nature
|
|