Reticent vs. Taciturn: What's the Difference?
Reticent and Taciturn Definitions
Reticent
Inclined to keep one's thoughts, feelings, and personal affairs to oneself.
Taciturn
Habitually untalkative.
Reticent
Restrained or reserved
“The laughter was steady, if reticent” (Bernard Lown).
Taciturn
Characterized by reserve or a lack of expression
"Beneath his taciturn exterior was an optimist" (Buzz Bissinger).
Reticent
Usage Problem Reluctant; unwilling.
ADVERTISEMENT
Taciturn
Silent; temperamentally untalkative; disinclined to speak.
The two sisters could hardly have been more different, one so boisterous and expressive, the other so taciturn and calm.
Reticent
Keeping one's thoughts and opinions to oneself; reserved or restrained.
Taciturn
Habitually silent; not given to converse; not apt to talk or speak.
Reticent
(proscribed) Hesitant or not wanting to take some action; reluctant (usually followed by a verb in the infinitive).
Taciturn
Habitually reserved and uncommunicative
ADVERTISEMENT
Reticent
Inclined to keep silent; reserved; uncommunicative.
Reticent
Temperamentally disinclined to talk
Reticent
Cool and formal in manner
Reticent
Reluctant to draw attention to yourself
