What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
taciturnity
Example
His taciturnity made it difficult to get to know him. [taciturnity: noun]
Example
She remained silent throughout the meeting, displaying her taciturnity. [taciturnity: noun]
reserve
Example
He maintained a reserve throughout the conversation, revealing very little about himself. [reserve: noun]
Example
She was reserved in her response, not wanting to reveal too much too soon. [reserved: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reserve is more commonly used than taciturnity in everyday language. Reserve can be seen as a positive trait in some contexts, while taciturnity is less common and has a more negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between taciturnity and reserve?
Both taciturnity and reserve are formal words that are typically used in written or academic contexts. However, reserve is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.