Cat got your tongue 2 Being quiet Laconic

Cat got your tongue? 2 Being quiet

Laconic n Adjective n Using few words in speech n Sample: Because Bush’s laconic reply lacked specificity, it raised more questions than it answered. n Contrast: laconic and brevity

Quiescent n Adjective n Quiet; still; inactive n Sample: Mount St. Helen’s has been quiescent since its last eruption in 1986.

Reticent n Adjective n Not talking much; reserved n Sample: Tom and Molly are a mismatched pair; he’s shy and reticent, while she never stops talking.

Taciturn n Adjective n Silent; sparing of words; close-mouthed n Sample: Throughout the party, Larry was moody and taciturn. No one heard a peep from him.

Match the words • • Laconic Succinct Brevity Quiescent Reticent Pithy Taciturn terse • • Dull Meaningful Quiet Clear Uncommunicative Reserved Unclear Shortness of time

Words in context: correct or incorrect The mayor was commended for his pithy speech. He made meaningful points during a mere half-hour delivery. n The gabby shop owner welcomed laconic exchanges with custormers. n Since space is limited, the advertising executive instructed copy-writers to write concise photo captions. n Succinct gossip is most painful; it hurts its subjects more than any other type of rumor. n