taciturn

[ tas-i-turn ]
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adjective
  1. inclined to silence; reserved in speech; reluctant to join in conversation.

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

Origin of taciturn

1
First recorded in 1765–75; from Latin taciturnus, “quiet, maintaining silence,” equivalent to tacit(us) “silent” (see tacit) + -urnus adjective suffix of time

Other words for taciturn

Other words from taciturn

  • tac·i·turn·ly, adverb
  • un·tac·i·turn, adjective
  • un·tac·i·turn·ly, adverb

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How to use taciturn in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for taciturn

taciturn

/ (ˈtæsɪˌtɜːn) /


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

Origin of taciturn

1
C18: from Latin taciturnus, from tacitus silent, from tacēre to be silent

Derived forms of taciturn

  • taciturnity, noun
  • taciturnly, adverb

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