taciturnity
|tac/i/turn/i/ty|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌtæsɪˈtɜrnɪti/
🇬🇧
/ˌtæsɪˈtɜːnɪti/
reserved silence
Etymology
Etymology Information
'taciturnity' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'taciturnitas,' where 'taciturnus' meant 'silent.'
Historical Evolution
'taciturnitas' transformed into the French word 'taciturnité,' and eventually became the modern English word 'taciturnity' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'the quality of being silent,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or quality of being reserved or reticent in conversation.
Her taciturnity made it difficult to engage her in conversation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/04 15:21