closemouthed
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: * Inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information: Describes a person who is habitually quiet, reserved, or unwilling to share information, thoughts, or feelings.
Usage
This adjective describes a person's character or temporary state of being unwilling to talk. It is often used in contexts involving privacy, confidentiality, or suspicion. It typically precedes a noun or follows a linking verb like "be," "seem," or "remain."
Examples
- The closemouthed witness refused to answer any questions without his lawyer present.
- She is notoriously closemouthed about her personal life, even with close friends.
- When asked about the merger, the CEO remained closemouthed.
- His closemouthed demeanor made it difficult to know what he was really thinking.
Advanced Usage
- Comparative and Superlative Forms: While "more closemouthed" and "most closemouthed" are grammatically correct, the simpler forms "closemouthed" and "least closemouthed" are more commonly used in comparison.
- Of the two suspects, the younger one was far more closemouthed.
Variants and Related Words
- Close-mouthed (adjective): A hyphenated variant spelling with the same meaning.
- Tight-lipped (adjective): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably.
- Reticent (adjective): Similar, but can imply a reluctance based on shyness or caution rather than secrecy.
- Secretive (adjective): Emphasizes a deliberate intention to conceal information.
Synonyms
- Taciturn
- Uncommunicative
- Reserved
- Silent
- Mum
Antonyms
- Talkative
- Communicative
- Loquacious
- Garrulous
- Open
Related Idioms
- To keep/be close about something: To deliberately not talk about a specific subject. (This idiom is directly related to the adjective's meaning).
- He's keeping very close about the details of the deal.
- To play one's cards close to one's chest: To be very secretive about one's plans or intentions.
- The negotiator is playing his cards close to his chest.
Adjective
- inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information
- although they knew her whereabouts her friends kept close about it