reticence

/ˈɹɛtɪs(ə)ns/noun
High School
1

Avoidance of saying or reluctance to say too much; discretion, tight-lippedness; (countable) an instance of acting in this manner.

2

A silent and reserved nature.

3

Followed by of: discretion or restraint in the use of something.

4

Often followed by to: hesitancy or reluctance (to do something).

5

Synonym of aposiopesis (“an abrupt breaking-off in speech”).

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing

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