reticently
In guarded fashion
Reticently means in a manner that is reluctant to speak or reveal one's thoughts.
Someone who answers reticently holds back, offering little information: She reticently admitted she'd been there that night.
The word suggests reserve or guardedness rather than complete silence.
Unwilling to share thoughts
- taciturnHabitually uncommunicative
- laconicBrief in expression
- unforthcomingReluctant to share information
- tight-lippedUnwilling to divulge
restrained · discreet · private · secretive · guarded · circumspect · cautious · wary
With little volume
- murmurSoft, indistinct continuous sound
- whisperSpeech without full voice
- subduedReduced in intensity
- soft-spokenSpeaking quietly, gently
muted · hushed · understated · unobtrusive · faintly · inaudibly · muttered · mumbled
Uncomfortably self-conscious
- timidLacking courage or confidence
- diffidentLacking self-assurance
- self-consciousUncomfortably aware of oneself
- demureModestly reserved in manner
meek · mousy · shrinking · retiring · introverted · withdrawn · unassertive · sheepish
uncommunicative
Unwilling to share thoughts
- taciturnHabitually uncommunicative
- laconicBrief in expression
- unforthcomingReluctant to share information
tight-lipped · restrained · discreet · private · secretive · guarded · circumspect · cautious · wary · chary
softly
With little volume
soft-spoken · muted · hushed · understated · unobtrusive · faintly · inaudibly · muttered · mumbled · low-voiced
bashful
Uncomfortably self-conscious
- timidLacking courage or confidence
- diffidentLacking self-assurance
- self-consciousUncomfortably aware of oneself
demure · meek · mousy · shrinking · retiring · introverted · withdrawn · unassertive · sheepish · coy
reticentlyopenly
Without hiding anything
freely · candidly · frankly · communicatively · unreservedly
reticentlygregarious
Fond of companionship
exuberantly · ebulliently · boisterously · animatedly · vivaciously