French Conversation · Level 107
58 words
French word
réticent
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁetisɑ̃/
Meaning
- adjectivereluctant
Example
Je suis réticent à accepter cette proposition.
I am reluctant to accept this proposal.
More examples
Il se montre réticent à signer le contrat.
He is reluctant to sign the contract.
Core concept
A person holds back before joining a proposal or taking action.
Common phrases
être réticent à
be reluctant to ___
réticent à l'idée de
reluctant at the idea of ___
se montrer réticent
show reluctance
Similar words
hésitant: Wavering over whether to take action.
peu enclin: Having little desire to do something.
peu disposé: Showing little willingness to accept something.
Definition in French
Qui hésite à accepter ou à entreprendre quelque chose, montrant une réserve et un manque d'enthousiasme.
Word origin
Réticent comes from Latin reticens, the present participle of reticere, meaning 'keep silent', formed from re- and tacere, 'be silent'.
Usage tips
- In French, réticent usually signals reluctance about an action or proposal, while English reticent most often describes limited speech.
Other meanings
- hesitantadjective
Opposites
- enthousiasteenthusiasticadjective
- disposéwillingadjective
Related words
- réticencereluctancenoun