Reservation
ˌrezərˈveɪʃən
Definitions
3 meaningsThe act of making arrangements to hold something for a specific person or group, or the item/space secured by doing so.
ˌrezərˈveɪʃən
The action of reserving something or the state of being reserved.
I have a reservation for dinner at 7 PM.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're going to a restaurant or a concert. A reservation is like calling ahead and saying, 'Hey, save a spot for me!' It's a promise that you'll have a table or seat when you get there.
👶 For kids: When you ask someone to save a spot for you, that's like making a reservation!
More Examples
The hotel reservation was confirmed.
There was a Native American reservation in that area.
He had no reservation about speaking his mind.
How It's Used
"I made a reservation for a hotel room."
"We need a dinner reservation for six people."
"The group fought to maintain their reservation over the land."
An area of land set aside for a particular purpose or group, often for Indigenous peoples.
ˌrezərˈveɪʃən
A legal designation of land for use by specific groups.
The Navajo Nation is one of the largest Native American reservations in the United States.
💡 Simply: Think of a park just for a certain community. A reservation is like a special piece of land set aside for a specific group of people to live on.
👶 For kids: A reservation is like a special land place for some people.
More Examples
The government decided to create a new reservation for the endangered species.
The tribe struggled to protect their reservation from development.
How It's Used
"The Native American tribe lived on a reservation granted by the government."
A feeling of doubt, hesitation, or unwillingness.
ˌrezərˈveɪʃən
A feeling of doubt or hesitation.
She had serious reservations about the company's ethics.
💡 Simply: Imagine you’re not completely sure about something, like maybe your friend’s idea for a party. A reservation is like a little voice in your head saying, 'Hmm, I'm not so sure,' because you have some doubts.
👶 For kids: If you're not sure you like something, like a new kind of food, that's like having a reservation.
More Examples
Despite his initial enthusiasm, he started to have reservations.
The team expressed reservations about the project timeline.
How It's Used
"He expressed reservations about the plan's feasibility."
"The board members voiced their reservations regarding the proposed merger."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
without reservation
Completely; wholeheartedly; without any doubt or hesitation.
"I support her decision without reservation."
From French réservation, from réserver ("to reserve"), from Latin reservāre ("to keep back, reserve").
The word 'reservation' has been used since the 15th century, initially to denote a holding back of something. Its use to describe land set aside for a particular group (especially Native Americans) emerged in the 19th century.
Memory tip
Think of reserving a seat at a concert; you're holding it for yourself. Or think about making a reservation for a restaurant, to make sure they have a table ready for you.
Word Origin
"to keep back, reserve"