Reticent vs. Taciturn — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Reticent and Taciturn
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Definitions
Reticent
Inclined to keep one's thoughts, feelings, and personal affairs to oneself.
Taciturn
(of a person) reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little
After such gatherings she would be taciturn and morose
Reticent
Restrained or reserved
“The laughter was steady, if reticent” (Bernard Lown).
Taciturn
Habitually untalkative.
Reticent
Usage Problem Reluctant; unwilling.
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Taciturn
Characterized by reserve or a lack of expression
"Beneath his taciturn exterior was an optimist" (Buzz Bissinger).
Reticent
Keeping one's thoughts and opinions to oneself; reserved or restrained.
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
(proscribed) Hesitant or not wanting to take some action; reluctant (usually followed by a verb in the infinitive).
Taciturn
Habitually silent; not given to converse; not apt to talk or speak.
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Reticent
Inclined to keep silent; reserved; uncommunicative.
Taciturn
Habitually reserved and uncommunicative
Reticent
Temperamentally disinclined to talk
Reticent
Cool and formal in manner
Reticent
Reluctant to draw attention to yourself
