Taciturn

Practice This Word

Silent; not inclined to talk; reserved in conversation.

adjective

Taciturn

Silent; not inclined to talk; reserved in conversation.

adjective

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Imagine This

The cautious taxi driver never in the mood to talk to anyone while he is driving. When he makes a sharp turn, the taxi turns smoothly and silently.

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Sounds Like

tas-i-turn

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Looks Like

Looks like the word tacit + turn; visually reminiscent of tacit (silent) and turn (a shift away from talking).

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Remember This

Taciturn shares the root with tacit, meaning understood without being stated; taciturn describes someone who is habitually quiet.

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Other Forms

tacitadjective

taciturnitynoun

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Connect With

reticent, reserved, silent, laconic, uncommunicative

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Note

Used to describe a person's nature or demeanor (not necessarily a temporary moment). Do not confuse with 'reticent' in contexts where the person is willing to speak when needed.

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Study Deeper

Examples

Although brilliant, he was taciturn at meetings, offering insights only when asked.
Her taciturn demeanor made her seem aloof, but her careful questions revealed her intelligence.

Synonyms

reticentsilentreservedlaconicuncommunicative

Antonyms

talkativecommunicativegarrulous

Etymology

From Latin tacitus 'silent' + suffix -urnus; via Old French taciturne, meaning reserved or silent.

Mnemonic

Taciturn = tacit + turn. A taciturn person 'turns away' from talking, staying silent.