CultureAugust 16, 2026

taciturn

TAS-ih-turn

Definition

Reserved, quiet, or disinclined to speak much; someone who is habitually uncommunicative.

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin 'taciturnus,' which is derived from 'tacere,' meaning 'to be silent.' It entered English in the early 18th century to describe someone who is temperamentally silent.

In the news

The article uses 'taciturn' to describe Harry Bosch, noting that he is a man of few words who communicates more through his actions and expressions than through long-winded speeches.

10 Years Later, Bosch’s Best Quote Still Perfectly Defines Titus Welliver’s Detective

Read the full article ↗

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