The Opposite(Antonym) of “outspokenness”
The antonyms of outspokenness are reservedness and reticence. The antonyms reservedness and reticence convey a lack of openness or willingness to communicate. It implies a preference for privacy, caution, or silence.
Explore all Antonyms of “outspokenness”
Definitions and Examples of reservedness, reticence
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
The quality of being reserved or uncommunicative; the tendency to keep one's thoughts and feelings to oneself.
Example
Her reservedness made it hard for others to get to know her.
The state of being reticent or hesitant to speak; the reluctance to reveal one's thoughts or feelings.
Example
His reticence in meetings often made others wonder what he was thinking.
Key Differences: reservedness vs reticence
- 1Reservedness implies a preference for privacy or caution, whereas outspokenness suggests a willingness to express oneself openly and honestly.
- 2Reticence denotes a reluctance to speak or reveal one's thoughts, while outspokenness conveys a willingness to speak up and share one's opinions.
Effective Usage of reservedness, reticence
- 1Social Situations: Use reservedness and reticence to describe someone who is shy, introverted, or private.
- 2Professional Settings: Use outspokenness to describe someone who is confident, assertive, or candid.
- 3Writing: Incorporate these antonyms in narratives to create nuanced characters with distinct personalities and communication styles.
Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Reservedness implies a preference for privacy or caution, reticence denotes a reluctance to speak or reveal one's thoughts, while outspokenness conveys a willingness to express oneself openly and honestly. Use these words to describe people in social and professional settings, and to create nuanced characters in writing.