Both Uses of
reticent
in
This Side of Paradise
- He a-hemmed again with delicate reticence, and continued:
Chpt 1.1 *reticence = reluctance -- usually to speak freely
- The incongruity of death with either the beauties of Lake Geneva or with his mother's dignified, reticent attitude diverted him, and he looked at the funeral with an amused tolerance.†
Chpt 1.3reticent = 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.