taciturn

[ tas-i-turn ]

adjective

1. inclined to silence; reserved in speech; reluctant to join in conversation.

   Synonyms: quiet, reticent, uncommunicative, silent

2. dour, stern, and silent in expression and manner.

taciturn

/ ˈtæsɪˌtɜːn /

adjective

1. habitually silent, reserved, or uncommunicative; not inclined to conversation

Derived Forms

• ˌtaciˈturnity, noun
• ˈtaciˌturnly, adverb

Other Words From

• taci·turnly adverb
• un·taci·turn adjective
• un·taci·turnly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of taciturn¹

First recorded in 1765–75; from Latin taciturnus, “quiet, maintaining silence,” equivalent to tacit(us) “silent” ( tacit ) + -urnus adjective suffix of time

Word History and Origins

Origin of taciturn¹

C18: from Latin taciturnus, from tacitus silent, from tacēre to be silent

Example Sentences

In this, the writers find a bottomless trove of understanding for everyone, including Lee’s Koh who could easily press his taciturn flintiness in a sinister direction.

From Salon

So the outgoing trio, best friends off the field, expanded their group to include their taciturn teammate while doing their best to draw her out.

From Los Angeles Times

Seeking an answer, the research team from the Graduate School of Science at Osaka Metropolitan University took a look at a rather taciturn animal: fish, more specifically, Neolamprologus savoryi, a cooperatively breeding cichlid fish.

From Science Daily

Furiosa’s reticence is strategic, as well as a trait she shares with Mad Max himself, the model for her taciturn avenger.

From New York Times

This time, however, our visiting, taciturn investigator is white, although no less affected by a hard land’s lingering hurts.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aloof
• dour
• laconic
• reticent