0

It's someone who may appear quiet and reserved, or even arrogant but actually just doesn't know what to say or what to talk about. They're not necessarily shy and not dumb.

I tried words such as 'reticent' and 'taciturn' , but those are more like "not wanting to talk" than "can't think of what to talk about". 'Inarticulate' is not it either, it sounds like something is physically wrong with them. 'Ineloquent' is more of not being clever with words, not able to persuade others with words, which is not what I'm looking for.

I don't know if there's even a word for this. Anyway, I just want a way to describe this trait using as few words as possible.

Improve this question
5
  • BTW, is the person “quite reserved” or “quiet and reserved”?
    – Scott - Слава Україні
    Aug 7, 2017 at 0:24
  • Please clarify why shy does not work for this.
    – k1eran
    Aug 7, 2017 at 0:29
  • Maybe the person is an introvert.
    – Dog Lover
    Aug 7, 2017 at 1:53
  • 5
    I'm sorry to say you've missed the point of Inarticulate which might sound like something physically wrong to you, but doesn't to most dictionaries. google.co.uk/… Inarticulacy caused by something physically wrong is normally termed a speech impediment or an injury.
    – Robbie Goodwin
    Aug 21, 2017 at 19:23
  • After checking synonyms and antonyms, "quiet and unsure"--3 words--might describe this individual perfectly.
    – Steve
    Jan 21, 2022 at 17:18

5 Answers 5

Reset to default
3

I would suggest tongue-tied, but would certainly agree with Janimals that a thesaurus would be the best resource.

Improve this answer
1

Some words that come to mind for your description are:

Unsociable, Silent, Withdrawn, Standoffish, Reclusive, Uncommunicative, Backward, and Introverted.

Also, you might consult a thesaurus and enter some of these and other words, one at a time, until you find a word that suits your preference.

Also, there is a website that suggests antonyms – or word opposites: www.AntonymsWords.com .

Sometimes, if looking for a similar word is not working, you might try looking for your perfect word by searching for words that mean the opposite.

Since you’re looking for a single word to describe someone who is not talkative, you might try looking for the opposite of “talkative” at www.AntonymsWords.com .

Improve this answer
0

Perhaps "timid" or "reluctant"? Melancholic? Tactless, self-absorbed, self-consumed, or maybe oblivious would work? Socially-inept?

Improve this answer
1
  • 2
    Your answer could be improved with additional supporting information. Please edit to add further details, such as citations or documentation, so that others can confirm that your answer is correct. You can find more information on how to write good answers in the help center.
    – Community Bot
    Sep 30, 2022 at 23:07
0

Tarzan is a word that swings to mind. As in "Me Tarzan, you Jane!" by Gary Larson.

enter image description here

Improve this answer
0

Such a word would be Laconic. One who uses few words or as few as possible. My favorite was Chauncey Gardner who was so described in Being There.

laconic lə-kŏn′ĭk adjective

Using or marked by the use of few words; terse or concise.Expressing much in few words, after the manner of the Laconians or Spartans; brief and pithy; concise; brusque; epigrammatic. In this sense laconic is the usual form.

noun

Conciseness of language; laconicism.
Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.