reticently
reticently — adverb
1. in a careful, held-back way that shows you do not want to say or do much, often
in a careful, held-back way that shows you do not want to say or do much, often because you feel uneasy or want to be cautious
Yara reticently answered questions about family life on the radio.
reticently + answered for guarded replies about personal topics
When the principal called his name, Baraka reticently stepped onto the stage.
reticently + stepped for a cautious, self-conscious action
During the budget meeting, Padma reticently admitted that the team needed more time.
Asked about the missing money, the witness reticently described the man outside the bank.
On the last slide, Mizuki reticently explained the reason for leaving early.
- guardedly
very close in meaning; emphasizes choosing words carefully so that you reveal little
- hesitantly
focuses more on uncertainty or lack of confidence than on reserve
- reservedly
describes a restrained manner, often as a more lasting personal style
- cautiously
broader and less personal; can describe physical care as well as careful speech
文法句型
reticently + answer/admit/explain/describe
reticently + speak about + topic
用法筆記
Most often used before verbs such as answer, admit, explain, and describe, especially when the topic is personal, awkward, or sensitive. Unlike reluctantly, reticently highlights reserve or caution in manner rather than pressure to comply.