silent, taciturn, reticent, reserved, secretive mean showing restraint in speaking. silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed. the strong, silent type taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

Where does the word taciturn come from?

Having its origin in the Latin tacitus, "silent," taciturn came to be used in mid-18th-century English in the sense "habitually silent." Taciturnity is often considered a negative trait, as it suggests someone uncommunicative and too quiet.

What is the difference between taciturn and reticent?

The difference between the meanings of these two words is is a matter of intention. A person who is taciturn is either quiet by nature or for no particular reason; a reticent person is holding something back intentionally.