How to pronounce reticent
Say it like RET-uh-sunt. Reticent 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 reticent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RET
- uh
- sunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reticent 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.
- suntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of reticent
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: RET-ih-sunt.
What does reticent mean?
- Unwilling to communicate; keeping one's thoughts and opinions to oneself; reserved or restrained.“She's rather reticent on the subject of her finances.”
- Hesitant or not wanting to take some action; reluctant (usually followed by a verb in the infinitive).“He is reticent to travel so much.”
Where does reticent come from?
Latin reticēns, present participle of reticeō (“to keep silence”).
Questions about saying reticent
How do you pronounce reticent?
Say RET-uh-sunt. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɛtəsənt/. In British English it is /ˈrɛtɪsənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reticent?
Reticent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RET). Broken into parts: RET · uh · sunt.
Is reticent 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 /ˈrɛtɪsənt/ (RET-ih-sunt).