taciturnity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taciturnity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the quality of being reserved or uncommunicative in speech. Example: "Her taciturnity made it difficult for her colleagues to understand her thoughts and feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

The idealisation of silence remained strong in American culture into the 20th century: think of the laconic heroes of Western films, or of Hemingway's novels.More recently it has been neither trade nor taciturnity, but the distractions of technology, which have seemed to threaten the quality of conversation.

The Economist

This process, gradual and more-or-less irreversible, shapes the trajectory of the child's life.Fortunately, taciturnity can be easily fixed.

The Economist

But in our talk-barraged world, their meditative pace and deadpan taciturnity have become almost virtues.

The New Yorker

"Hey," he said, in his grits-and-corn Missouri drawl, laconic, laid-back, far more at ease than his reputation for taciturnity would suggest.

Independent

Godard's famous hermeticism and taciturnity are easily admired as part of his temperament, as long as both are left untampered with and are also unfeared.

The New Yorker

His wife, leaving him and a son behind, committed suicide several years earlier without giving any reason, though we get the impression that Elmer's taciturnity about his sordid job left her in the dark.

The New Yorker

Rand never once seems struck by the contrast between the taciturnity she so admires in her hero and the authorial verbosity that stretches the novel to 727 pages.

The New Yorker

What appears to be thought is in fact suppressed thought, the mere ratification of male taciturnity.

The New Yorker

In another, a folklorist from Dublin, visiting O'Brien's fictional Gaeltacht area of Corkadoragha, and frustrated by the drunken taciturnity of an assembly of local males, records the muttering of a pig under the impression that it is Gaelic: "He understood that good Gaelic is difficult but that the best Gaelic of all is well-nigh unintelligible".

The New Yorker

The early-Renaissance painting — it dates from around 1300 — is really ur-Renaissance in its epochal leap from medieval taciturnity to humanist pathos: the baby nudges aside his mother's cowl with one small hand, the better to behold her, and she meets his gaze.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Upper-middlebrow in an O.K. way, G-Mod inclines the first family toward the pleasant taciturnities of Joseph Albers (three "Homages to the Square"), tender-minded semi-abstraction from the Bay Area (Sam Francis, Richard Diebenkorn, Edward Corbett), and, stepping up, the humble sublime of Giorgio Morandi (two still lifes).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taciturnity" when you want to specifically highlight the trait or quality of being habitually silent or reserved in speech, rather than simply describing an instance of silence.

Common error

Avoid using "taciturnity" when the context suggests someone is shy or lacks confidence. "Taciturnity" implies a deliberate choice to be reserved in speech, not necessarily an inability to communicate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "taciturnity" is that of a noun, referring to the state or quality of being reserved or habitually silent. As Ludwig confirms, it is used to describe the characteristic behavior of someone who doesn't speak frequently.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taciturnity" describes the quality of being reserved or habitually silent. Ludwig confirms the term is grammatically sound and frequently used, as evidenced by numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New Yorker and The New York Times. While often used in news and media, understanding its nuances, like its distinction from shyness, is crucial for accurate usage. Using precise language enhances clarity in writing. Remember, as seen in the examples Ludwig provides, "taciturnity" is best used to depict a consistent trait rather than isolated instances of silence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reticence

Focuses on the unwillingness to speak or reveal one's thoughts or feelings.

Silence

Refers to the state of not speaking, which can be a result of taciturnity.

Uncommunicativeness

Highlights the lack of willingness or ability to communicate effectively.

Reserved nature

Emphasizes the shy and introverted character.

Quietude

Implies a state of calmness and stillness, often associated with a lack of speech.

Laconism

Describes the practice of using very few words to express oneself.

Inarticulateness

Refers to the inability to express oneself clearly or effectively, often mistaken with the unwillingness to do so.

Speechlessness

Indicates a temporary inability to speak, often due to surprise or shock.

Mute nature

Highlights a person's unwillingness to talk, often associated with thoughtfulness and inner peace.

Aversion to speaking

Expresses the reluctance to engage in conversation, indicating preference for silence.

FAQs

How do you use "taciturnity" in a sentence?

You can use "taciturnity" to describe someone's general reluctance to speak. For example: "His "taciturnity" made him a difficult person to get to know."

What's the difference between "taciturnity" and "reticence"?

"Taciturnity" refers to a habitual disinclination to talk, while "reticence" suggests a more temporary or situational unwillingness to speak, often due to shyness or discretion.

What can I say instead of "taciturnity"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "reticence", "silence", or "uncommunicativeness".

Is "taciturnity" a positive or negative trait?

Whether "taciturnity" is seen as positive or negative depends on the context. In some situations, it can be seen as a sign of wisdom or thoughtfulness, while in others, it can be perceived as aloofness or lack of engagement.