What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retractive
Example
She was retractive in her response, not wanting to offend anyone. [retractive: adjective]
Example
He tends to be retractive in group settings, preferring to listen rather than speak. [retractive: adjective]
reticent
Example
She was reticent to share her personal experiences with the group. [reticent: adjective]
Example
He tends to be reticent in social situations, preferring to observe rather than participate. [reticent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reticent is more commonly used than retractive in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between retractive and reticent?
Both retractive and reticent are formal words that are typically used in written language or formal settings.
