MEANING
Unwilling or hesitant to act, usually because of doubt, resistance, or discomfort.
Use it for
Describe hesitation that complicates a choice, confession, or departure.Show a character’s resistance through a qualified action or delayed decision.
Words that belong together
- reluctant to admit
- reluctant agreement
- reluctant witness
- a reluctant smile
On the page
Reluctant to reveal the letter, Mara folded it into her sleeve.
Nearby words
Opposite meanings
Word forms
- Base
- reluctant
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Usage notes
Often takes to plus a verb; it signals resistance or hesitation, not necessarily an absolute refusal.
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