# taciturn

/ˈtæsɪˌtɝn/ (US) · /tˈæsɪtˌɜːn/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/taciturn
Updated: 2026-10-07

## Definition

describing someone who is very quiet and does not like to talk much. You use this for a person who seems naturally silent or reserved.

For teachers: habitually reserved or uncommunicative in speech. Often implies a temperament that is naturally silent or disinclined to engage in conversation.

## Examples

- The old fisherman was a taciturn man who rarely spoke.
- Although he was a brilliant engineer, his taciturn nature made it difficult for him to lead team meetings.
- The protagonist of the novel is a taciturn detective whose silence is often mistaken for coldness, though it actually stems from a deep-seated distrust of others.

## Synonyms

reserved, reticent, quiet, uncommunicative

## Antonyms

talkative, garrulous, loquacious, voluble

## Usage notes

- Typically used to describe a person's personality or temperament; often follows linking verbs like 'remain' or 'become'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.