MEANING
Shy and reserved, tending to avoid attention or social notice rather than seeking the spotlight.
Use it for
Describe someone who instinctively keeps out of the spotlight.Reveal a character through quietness without equating reserve with weakness.
Words that belong together
- retiring manner
- retiring disposition
- retiring nature
On the page
The retiring conservator spoke only after everyone else had given an opinion.
Nearby words
Opposite meanings
Word forms
- Base
- retiring
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Usage notes
As an adjective, retiring means inclined to withdraw from notice; distinguish it from the verb sense of leaving a job or public role.
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