How to pronounce reticence
Say it like RET-uh-suns. Reticence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce reticence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RET
- uh
- suns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reticence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- sunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of reticence
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: RET-ih-suns.
What does reticence mean?
- Avoidance of saying or reluctance to say too much; discretion, tight-lippedness; (countable) an instance of acting in this manner.
- A silent and reserved nature.
- Followed by of: discretion or restraint in the use of something.
- To deliberately not listen or pay attention to; to disregard, to ignore.
Where does reticence come from?
The verb is derived from the noun.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying reticence
How do you pronounce reticence?
Say RET-uh-suns. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɛtəsəns/. In British English it is /ˈrɛtɪsəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reticence?
Reticence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RET). Broken into parts: RET · uh · suns.
Is reticence pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈrɛtɪsəns/ (RET-ih-suns).