réticent

reluctant, reticent

adjective reh-tee-SAHN Rare

Origin: From Latin 'reticere' (to keep silent), from 're-' + 'tacere' (to be silent).

Usage Note

Réticent (feminine réticente) is a false friend: in French it means 'reluctant' or 'hesitant' — not merely quiet. The English 'reticent' (silent, uncommunicative) is narrower. In French, réticent à faire quelque chose means 'unwilling to do something'. The noun is réticence (reluctance, hesitation).

Examples

"Elle est réticente à accepter cette offre."

Natural Translation

She is reluctant to accept this offer.

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