Taciturne

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Naturally inclined to speak very little and to keep one's thoughts private
2. Characterized by a preference for silence and a reluctance to engage in conversation
3. Tending to say little and maintain a quiet, reserved demeanor in social situations

Etymology: The Dutch leader William of Orange, who led the revolt against Spanish rule, was known to his contemporaries as "le Taciturne" in French, a nickname that reflected his reserve and discretion. He was also called "de Zwijger" in Dutch, and both names were in common use among his followers and rivals. Mentioning his nickname here is the only place "taciturne" appears in its French form in this history. The adjective "taciturn" comes from Latin "taciturnus," meaning "silent" or "habitually quiet." That Latin word is built from "tacitus," the past participle of "tacere," "to be silent," which is also the source of "tacit," meaning understood without being spoken. English borrowed the adjective from French, which had taken it from Latin. The English spelling "taciturn" keeps the Latin ending, while the French "taciturne" carries the feminine ending.