reticently

IPA/ˈret.ɪ.sənt.li/
IPA/ˈret̬.ə.sənt.li/

reticently — 副詞

1. in a careful, held-back way that shows you do not want to say or do much, often

1.副詞C2
釋義

有所保留地

因緊張或謹慎而不肯多說

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

例句

Yara reticently answered questions about family life on the radio.

Yara 在廣播節目中談到家庭生活時，回答得有所保留。

reticently + answered for guarded replies about personal topics

When the principal called his name, Baraka reticently stepped onto the stage.

校長叫到名字時，Baraka 拘謹地走上了台。

reticently + stepped for a cautious, self-conscious action

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • openly

    without holding thoughts or feelings back

  • frankly

    in a direct and honest way, especially when speaking

  • readily

    without delay or reserve

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.

常見錯誤

❌Nikolai reticently signed the contract after the warning.
✅Nikolai reluctantly signed the contract after the warning.
💡'reticently' usually shows reserve in speech or manner, not simple unwilling compliance under pressure.
❌The child reticently asked where the toilet was.
✅The child hesitantly asked where the toilet was.
💡'hesitantly' fits nervous uncertainty; 'reticently' suggests holding back words or personal details.