All 3 Uses of
reticent
in
Catch-22
- They conducted their duties humbly and reticently, with a minimum of fuss, and went to great lengths not to antagonize anyone.†
Chpt 15reticently = reluctantly (usually to speak freely)
- ...if the chaplain's reticent, unimpressive manner were really just a sinister disguise masking a fiery ambition that...
Chpt 19 *reticent = reluctant
- He would pass the time at Yossarian's and Dunbar's table with a shy, reticent smile, seldom speaking unless addressed, a glass of thick sweet wine almost untasted before him as he toyed unfamiliarly with the tiny corncob pipe that he affected selfconsciously and occasionally stuffed with tobacco and smoked.†
Chpt 25reticent = reluctant -- usually to speak freely
Definition:
reluctant -- especially to speak freely
Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice):
Consider using taciturn rather than reticent when the reluctance to speak is a general disposition rather than a short-term situation brought about by particular circumstance.
Consider using taciturn rather than reticent when the reluctance to speak is a general disposition rather than a short-term situation brought about by particular circumstance.