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reticent

[/ˈretɪsənt/]
adjective
reticente
1. not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily; reserved or restrained in speech
He was reticent about his personal life and rarely discussed it with colleagues.
Ele era reticente sobre sua vida pessoal e raramente a discutia com colegas.
2. reluctant or unwilling to do something
The company was reticent to invest in new technology without more market research.
A empresa era reticente em investir em novas tecnologias sem mais pesquisa de mercado.
3. characterized by reserve or restraint; taciturn
Her reticent nature made her an excellent listener during meetings.
Sua natureza reticente a tornava uma excelente ouvinte durante as reuniões.
NYC Slang
tight-lipped, buttoned-up
Synonyms
reservedtaciturnquietrestrainedreluctantunwillingtight-lipped
Antonyms
talkativeverbosecommunicativeforthcomingopenexpressivewilling

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
reticente
standard usage; may also use 'reservado' as alternative
Rio de Janeiro
reticente
standard usage, occasionally 'fechado' in colloquial speech
São Paulo
reticente
standard usage in formal and business contexts
Portugal
reticente
standard usage; 'reservado' also commonly used

Related Idioms & Phrases

playing it close to the vest
keeping one's cards close
not letting on
being evasive about something
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