Forum: General Stuff
Topic: Fake Vocabulary
started by: thibodeaux

Posted by thibodeaux on Mar. 03 2011,10:03
I've noticed lately people using "reticent" when they really mean "reluctant."
Posted by GORDON on Mar. 03 2011,10:04
Well that's just incorrect.
Posted by thibodeaux on Mar. 03 2011,10:05
I think it is, but the dictionary lists it as a synonym.
Posted by GORDON on Mar. 03 2011,10:07
I thought reticent meant unlikely to speak.  Or something like that.
Posted by TheCatt on Mar. 03 2011,11:09
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 by Malcolm on Mar. 03 2011,12:33
QUOTE
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 by GORDON on Mar. 23 2011,05:49

(thibodeaux @ Mar. 03 2011,13:03)
QUOTE
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.
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