Word of the day · 13 April 2026
taciturn
/ˈtæsɪtɜːrn/
adjective
Habitually quiet; saying little by nature or habit.
In a sentence
- The taciturn driver answered with nods.
- A taciturn coach rarely praised in public.
- Neighbors called him kind but taciturn.
In an image
Origin
From Latin taciturnus (quiet), from tacitus (silent).
History
Novelists love taciturn characters who reveal little aloud. Unlike reticent, which can be situational, taciturn often names a steady temperament. The silence can signal wisdom, shyness or simple preference. Context decides the tone.
Nearby words
quiet · reserved · untalkative
A lasting preference for few words.