Page 1 of 1
Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:03 pm
by thibodeaux
I've noticed lately people using "reticent" when they really mean "reluctant."
Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:04 pm
by GORDON
Well that's just incorrect.
Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:05 pm
by thibodeaux
I think it is, but the dictionary lists it as a synonym.
Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:07 pm
by GORDON
I thought reticent meant unlikely to speak. Or something like that.
Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 2:09 pm
by TheCatt
I've always though of reticent as:
unwilling/reluctant to speak.
So it could be reluctant, but only with regards to talking.
Someone wouldn't be reticent to go to the beach.
Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 3:33 pm
by Malcolm
Standards of modesty (also called demureness or reticence) are aspects of the culture of a country or people, at a given point in time, and is a measure against which an individual in society may be judged.
I sort of like that definition better. Although, pumping in the societal standards concept is a bit annoying.
Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 8:49 am
by GORDON
thibodeaux wrote:I've noticed lately people using "reticent" when they really mean "reluctant."
Just saw this used that way on another forum, and it occurred to me that people who spend a long time describing how they are reticent... aren't.