réticent

fr
en
Change language
Translating...
reluctant, hesitant, guarded, reserved
Find language
العربية الفصحى
Arabic (Standard)
Deutsch
German
Español
Spanish
Français
French
Italiano
Italian
/ʁetisɑ̃/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
Holding back from assent or open speech.
Practice using réticent in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Je suis réticent à partager ces données.
    I am reluctant to share this data.
  • Elle était réticente à révéler le nom de la source.
    She was unwilling to reveal the source’s name.
  • Le témoin s’est montré réticent sur les détails.
    The witness was guarded about the details.
  • Il était réticent, mais il a fini par accepter.
    He was reluctant, but eventually agreed.
  • L’interlocuteur est resté réticent sur ce point.
    The speaker remained reserved on this point.

Similar words

secret
discret
méfiant
hésitant
circonspect
réservé
évasif
réservé

Meanings

Hesitant to agree

adjective
decisions
neutral
Showing hesitation or resistance toward a proposal or action.

Examples

  • Elle reste réticente à signer le contrat.
    She remains reluctant to sign the contract.
  • Les habitants sont réticents devant ce projet.
    The residents are hesitant about this project.
  • Il était réticent, mais il a fini par accepter.
    He was reluctant, but eventually agreed.
  • Je suis réticent à partager ces données.
    I am reluctant to share this data.
  • Même les plus réticents ont voté pour la mesure.
    Even the most hesitant voted for the measure.

Similar words

hésitant
réservé
circonspect
méfiant

Reluctant to speak openly

adjective
communication
formal
Withholding part of what one thinks or knows rather than speaking plainly; a more literary use.

Examples

  • Le témoin s’est montré réticent sur les détails.
    The witness was guarded about the details.
  • Sa réponse réticente ne disait pas tout.
    His evasive answer did not tell the whole story.
  • Elle était réticente à révéler le nom de la source.
    She was unwilling to reveal the source’s name.
  • L’interlocuteur est resté réticent sur ce point.
    The speaker remained reserved on this point.
  • Un silence réticent a suivi la question.
    A guarded silence followed the question.

Similar words

secret
discret
réservé
évasif

Etymology

FAQ

What does réticent usually mean?

Hesitant or unwilling to agree or act.

What construction follows it?

Often réticent à plus an infinitive.

Can it concern speech?

Yes, it may describe someone unwilling to say everything.

Is that second use common?

It is more literary than the ordinary “hesitant” sense.

What is the feminine form?

Réticente.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...