reticence
noun [ U ] formal uk/ˈret.ɪ.səns/ us/ˈret̬.ə.səns/
沉默寡言;不愿交谈
an unwillingness to do something or talk about something, for example because you are nervous or being careful
His reticence about his past made them very suspicious. 他对自己的过去讳莫如深，使他们非常怀疑。
I think my dad had a certain reticence about showing love as he was afraid that people would leave if he did. 我觉得父亲不愿意表达爱意，因为他害怕如果他表达了，人们会离开他。
See: reticent
- More examples
- She had overcome her usual reticence and talked about their married life.
- His reticence is understandable.
- Despite his initial reticence, he began teaching the children.