Main Entry: ret·i·cent

Pronunciation: \-sənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin reticent-, reticens, present participle of reticēre to keep silent, from re- + tacēre 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