taciturn

/ˈtæsɪtɜːn/

Group 1Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(adjective)
Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little
GRE

Example in Context

The taciturn detective revealed nothing during the press conference, frustrating journalists eager for details about the case.

Synonyms

quietreservedsilent

Etymology

Characterized by silence or few words.

  • tacere (Latin) — to be silent

Memory Aid

🌮Sounds like “taco turn

A person who eats a TACO without saying a word is a TACITURN taco lover!

Visual Association

🤐A person quietly enjoying tacos at a party while everyone else is chatting loudly.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “taciturn” mean on the GRE?

taciturn (adjective) means “Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little”. The taciturn detective revealed nothing during the press conference, frustrating journalists eager for details about the case.

How to remember “taciturn” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “taciturn” sounds like “taco turn”. A person who eats a TACO without saying a word is a TACITURN taco lover!

What are synonyms for “taciturn”?

Common synonyms: quiet, reserved, silent.