There are often times that I use words so regularly that I forget they are words that aren't always seen by the regular populace. When I mentioned that this word may not be a good one to use as my word of the day, my husband actually asked me what it meant. For a moment, I was shocked. I had figured it was something most people knew.
But the more I think about it, the more I come to realize that taciturn is not a normal word to use for someone who is reserved - at least, not in conversation. We too often use words such as shy, withdrawn, or the aforementioned reserved. So, today, I want to talk a little about taciturn.
Taciturn | tæs.ə.tɝːn: adjective: tending not to speak much
Often, I'll see taciturn written with another of its synonyms, as if to drive the point home that whoever the author is writing about is very against speaking up in regular conversation. Angus's quiet, taciturn nature showed brightly as he crossed his arms and strode away from the group without a word.
Taciturn | ta-sə-ˌtərn: adjective: temperamentally disinclined to talk
Some writers, like myself, use it in more of a direct sentence with the expectation that their reader already knows what the word means - or will look it up and expand their vocabulary. Brian Jacques does just that in Loamhedge.
The weasel brothers, Rogg and Floggo, were a taciturn pair.
What I enjoy about authors like Jacques is they allow me as a reader to build on my vocabulary by forcing me to research the words I don't know, myself. It's nice to have such direct usage of a word instead of a general buildup of adjectives. Don't get me wrong, I love a little fluff in my sentences. But sometimes, a girl loves the simplicity of a strong word like taciturn.
If you've never read the Redwall series by Jacques, I do highly recommend it. These books can mostly be read out of order, too, so if you have a local library that has them, try checking one out. And until tomorrow, happy reading!
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