Reserved
/rɪˈzɜːrvd/
Definitions
2 meaningsSlow or unwilling to show feelings or express opinions.
/rɪˈzɜːrvd/
Slow to reveal emotion or opinions.
He was a reserved man, preferring his own company.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who's like a polite, quiet observer. They don't jump in with big reactions or lots of talking. They keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves.
👶 For kids: When someone is reserved, it means they don't talk a lot and don't show their feelings easily.
More Examples
Despite his reserved demeanor, he was always polite.
The reserved atmosphere of the meeting made everyone uneasy.
How It's Used
"She was a reserved woman, rarely showing her feelings."
"A reserved personality type may find it difficult to express themselves."
Kept specially for a particular purpose or person.
/rɪˈzɜːrvd/
The tickets were reserved weeks in advance.
💡 Simply: Picture a table in a restaurant that has a 'reserved' sign on it. That means someone has already claimed it. This definition is about something being kept aside for later use or a special person.
👶 For kids: When something is reserved, it means someone has already said they want it, and nobody else can have it.
More Examples
A reserved parking spot was available for the disabled.
The company reserved the right to cancel the project.
How It's Used
"The hotel had reserved rooms for the VIP guests."
"The airline had reserved seats for their staff."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
reserved judgment
Withholding a definite opinion or decision until all the facts are known.
"The committee decided to reserve judgment until they had reviewed all the evidence."
From Old French *reserver* or directly from Latin *reservare* ('to keep back, save'), from *re-* ('back') + *servare* ('to keep, preserve').
The word 'reserved' has been used since the 14th century to mean 'kept for a special purpose'.
Memory tip
Think of a person who 'reserves' their emotions, keeping them hidden.
Word Origin
"to keep, preserve"