Taisaient (en. Were silent)

[tɛ.zɛ]

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
verb
Indicate the action of not speaking or keeping silent.
They were silent while listening to the music.
Ils se taisaient en écoutant la musique.
To become mute voluntarily or by obligation.
She remained silent whenever the subject became awkward.
Elle se taisait chaque fois que le sujet devenait gênant.
Not to disclose information, to conceal something.
The witnesses stayed silent about the details of the incident.
Les témoins se taisaient sur les détails de l'incident.

Etymology

From the verb 'taire', derived from the Latin 'tacere', meaning 'to be silent'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to be silent
To stop talking.
se taire
to keep something quiet
Not to reveal information.
taire quelque chose
to remain silent on a subject
To choose not to discuss a certain subject.
se taire sur un sujet

Related Words

to keep quiet
Verb that means to silence or hide information.
taire
silence
Absence of noise or sound.
silence
discretion
Ability to keep secrets, not to show oneself.
discrétion

Slang Meanings

To be as silent as a carp.
He remained as silent as a carp throughout the entire meeting.
Il est resté muet comme une carpe pendant toute la réunion.
Tight-lipped.
She is tight-lipped about this sensitive issue.
Elle a la bouche cousue sur ce sujet délicat.