noun
- the quality or state of being cautious, wary, or careful not to reveal too much information or emotion
Usage: uncountable noun; often used to describe a reserved or protective attitude
Examples
- Her guardedness in the interview made it difficult to know what she really thought.
- The witness spoke with obvious guardedness, choosing each word carefully.
- After the scandal, the company's guardedness about financial details increased.
- His guardedness around strangers gradually faded as he got to know them.
- The therapist noted the patient's guardedness as a protective mechanism.
- She appreciated his guardedness—it showed he took privacy seriously.