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Reticent vs. Taciturn

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.

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.
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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

Reticent

Inclined to keep silent; reserved; uncommunicative.

Reticent

Temperamentally disinclined to talk
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Reticent

Cool and formal in manner

Reticent

Reluctant to draw attention to yourself

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