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View synonyms for taciturn

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


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Derived Forms

  • ˌtaciˈturnity, noun
  • ˈtaciˌturnly, adverb

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Other Words From

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

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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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of taciturn1

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

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Example Sentences

Justin, as I would soon learn, is a large and taciturn man, but he was eager to talk, and urged me to come to New Mexico to learn more about what Kooper and his friends had been through.

Her father, a lumber company owner, was taciturn and remote, she recalled in her self-titled memoir.

His is a particularly taciturn manifestation of masculinity.

No one would confuse him the taciturn, forgetful and vengeful Senate Majority Leader.

Tall and taciturn, he exuded the easy authority of a young man used to money and the deference that came with it.

The exuberant, indefatigable Democrat from Oregon and the dour, taciturn Republican from New Hampshire made an odd couple.

The usually taciturn Zakhilwal spoke spiritedly and aggressively for the first hour of his impeachment.

While the latter was remarkably eloquent, the former was taciturn to the last degree.

She spoke no word of English and seemed rather taciturn; the only anxiety she manifested was as to the amount of her remuneration.

Pale, lean, taciturn and somewhat deaf, he bore much resemblance to the Knight of the Rueful Countenance.

Josephine appeared as usual at breakfast: talkative to her father, and taciturn to her female companion.

They were silent and taciturn, and acted as though a short conversation indicated a "financial touch."

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