Gloss · Words · Laconic vs taciturn
Laconic vs taciturn
Laconic is saying a lot in few words. Taciturn is saying few words, full stop.
The difference
Laconic comes from Laconia, the home of the Spartans, who were famous for the brevity of their replies. A laconic answer is short and complete, and often has an edge of wit: asked if he would surrender, the laconic general says no. Taciturn describes the person, not the sentence. The taciturn person is simply not talkative, and their silence is not necessarily saying anything.
Laconic
Using very few words, so that what is said carries weight.
Her laconic reply was simply “No.”
Taciturn
Saying very little, by habit.
My grandfather was a taciturn man.
Which one to use
Use laconic for a style of speech you admire. Use taciturn for a person who does not speak much.
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