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Taciturnity - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Taciturnity refers to the quality of being reserved or uncommunicative in speech. A taciturn person speaks very little, often preferring silence over conversation, and may seem aloof or introspective.

taciturnity

/ˈtæsɪˌtɜrnəti/ /tæsɪˈtɜːnɪti/

Definition:

Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.

Synonyms:

reticence, silence, reserve, uncommunicativeness

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

talkativeness, loquaciousness, garrulity

Common Collocations:

habitual taciturnity, break one's taciturnity, overcome taciturnity

Derivatives:

taciturn, taciturnly

Usage Tips:

Use "taciturnity" to describe someone's habitual silence or reluctance to speak.

Common Phrases:

a wall of taciturnity, cloak of taciturnity, break the taciturnity

Etymology:

From Latin *taciturnitas*, meaning "silence," derived from *tacitus* ("silent").

Examples:

  • 1. His taciturnity made him seem mysterious at parties.
  • 2. She broke her usual taciturnity with a surprising outburst.
  • 3. The teacher mistook his taciturnity for disinterest in the lesson.
  • 4. His taciturnity often left others guessing his true feelings.

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