Both Uses of
reticent
in
The Kite Runner
- But there was a new reticence to Khanum Taheri's demeanor.
p. 157.8 *reticence = reluctance -- usually to speak freely
- A reticence broken only by her secret, droopy smiles and the furtive, apologetic looks she cast my way when the general's attention was engaged elsewhere.†
p. 157.9
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.