Sunday, May 25, 2014

Usage peeve

Dear internet and beyond:

The following is incorrect:
"Bob was reticent to discuss his benefits package."

What you meant there was
"Bob was reluctant to discuss his benefits package."

"Reticent" means "silent" or "disinclined to talk much". I suppose you could make a case for saying "Bob was reticent on the subject of his benefits package", though in my experience the word refers more to a broad character trait (think the strong, silent type) than it does to any particular decision to talk or not.

Thank you, have a wonderful holiday, and get off my lawn.

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