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Secretiveness - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Secretiveness is the tendency to conceal information or feelings, often by being quiet or evasive. It implies a deliberate avoidance of openness or transparency in behavior or communication.

secretiveness

/ˈsiːkrətɪvnəs/ /ˈsiːkrətɪvnəs/

Definition:

The tendency to conceal one's thoughts, feelings, or information from others.

Synonyms:

reticence, reserve, taciturnity, discretion

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

openness, transparency, candor

Common Collocations:

extreme secretiveness, habitual secretiveness, culture of secretiveness

Derivatives:

secretive, secretly

Usage Tips:

Use "secretiveness" to describe someone's habitual reluctance to share information or emotions.

Common Phrases:

cloak of secretiveness, wall of secretiveness

Etymology:

Derived from "secretive," which comes from Latin "secretus," meaning "set apart" or "hidden."

Examples:

  • 1. Her secretiveness made it hard to trust her fully.
  • 2. The company's secretiveness about its plans worried investors.
  • 3. His secretiveness often led to misunderstandings among friends.
  • 4. The government's secretiveness fueled rumors and speculation.

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