Fake Vocabulary

Post by **thibodeaux** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:03 pm

I've noticed lately people using "reticent" when they really mean "reluctant."

Post by **GORDON** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:04 pm

Well that's just incorrect.

Post by **thibodeaux** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:05 pm

I think it is, but the dictionary lists it as a synonym.

Post by **GORDON** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:07 pm

I thought reticent meant unlikely to speak. Or something like that.

Post by **TheCatt** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 2:09 pm

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.

Malcolm · Post by **Malcolm** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 3:33 pm

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.

Post by **GORDON** » Wed Mar 23, 2011 8:49 am

thibodeaux wrote: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.