French word

réticence

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁetisɑ̃s/

Meaning

  • feminine nounreluctance

Example

Elle a montré une réticence à accepter l'invitation.

She showed reluctance to accept the invitation.

Illustration for réticence (reluctance)

More examples

Sa réticence à signer le contrat était évidente.

His reluctance to sign the contract was obvious.

Core concept

A closed gate between a proposal and the decision to accept it, showing resistance without outright refusal.

Common phrases

  • faire preuve de réticence

    show reluctance

  • une réticence à

    reluctance to ___

  • montrer une réticence à

    show reluctance to ___

Similar words

hésitation: Difficulty deciding quickly before taking action or giving a reply.
réserve: Restraint in expressing one's thoughts or emotions.
appréhension: Worry about the outcome that causes hesitation about proceeding.

Definition in French

Sentiment de réserve qui empêche ou retarde l'acceptation d'une proposition ou la prise d'une décision.

Word origin

French borrowed réticence from Latin reticentia, formed from reticere, 'to keep silent', whose meaning connects silence with restrained response.

Usage tips

  • The usual construction is réticence à + infinitive, as in réticence à accepter une invitation.

Other meanings

  • hesitationnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word