reticent(ret·i·se ̆nt) adj.tending to keep one’s thoughts and feelings to one-
self; reserved, untalkative; silent. Annette is very reticent, so don’t expect her to
tell you much about herself.
salient(say·li·e ̆nt) adj.1. conspicuous, prominent, highly noticeable; draw-
ing attention through a striking quality. 2. moving by leaps or springs; jut-
ting out. Siobhán’s most salient feature is her stunning auburn hair.
scintilla(sin·til·a ̆) n.a trace or particle; minute amount, iota. She has not one
scintilla of doubt about his guilt.
shiftless(shift·lis) adj.lazy and inefficient; lacking ambition, initiative, or
purpose. My shiftless roommate has failed all of his classes.
supercilious (soo·pe ̆r·sil·i·u ̆s) adj.haughty, scornful, disdainful. Sunil’s
supercilious attitude and sarcastic remarks annoy me greatly.
taciturn(tas·i·turn) adj.habitually untalkative, reserved. I’ve always known
him to be taciturn, but yesterday he regaled me with tales of his hiking adventures.
tenacious(te ̆·nay·shu ̆s) adj.1. holding firmly to something, such as a right
or principle; persistent, stubbornly unyielding. 2. holding firmly, cohesive.
- sticking firmly, adhesive. 4. (of memory) retentive. When it comes to fight-
ing for equality, she is the most tenacious person I know.
truculent(truk·yu ̆·le ̆nt) adj.1. defiantly aggressive; 2. fierce, violent. 3. bit-
terly expressing opposition. The outspoken congresswoman gave a truculent
speech arguing against the proposal.