What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
untalkative
Example
My new coworker is very untalkative, but she's a great listener. [untalkative: adjective]
Example
He was so untalkative during the party that I thought he was upset with me. [untalkative: adverb]
silent
Example
The room was silent except for the ticking of the clock. [silent: adjective]
Example
She remained silent throughout the entire meeting. [silent: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Silent is more commonly used than untalkative in everyday language. Silent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while untalkative is less common and typically used to describe a specific type of person or situation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between untalkative and silent?
Both untalkative and silent are relatively formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional settings. However, untalkative may be considered slightly more informal than silent due to its colloquial connotations.
