Reserves
/rɪˈzɜːrvz/
Definitions
4 meaningsA supply of something held in store or kept back, typically for future use or a special purpose.
/rɪˈzɜːrvz/
A supply of something that is kept available for future use or a special purpose.
The company has substantial financial reserves to weather economic downturns.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a bunch of extra snacks, and you're saving them for a special movie night. Those extra snacks are your reserves! It's like having a backup.
👶 For kids: Reserves are like having extra toys or snacks to use later when you need them!
More Examples
Natural gas reserves are being depleted faster than new ones are being discovered.
The national park has a large wildlife reserve.
How It's Used
"Central banks maintain foreign currency reserves."
"The military deployed its reserve troops to the conflict zone."
A group of people who are available to perform military service or other duties when required.
/rɪˈzɜːrvz/
A body of people available for service when needed, such as in the military.
The military reserves are called up during times of crisis.
💡 Simply: Imagine a team of super-powered people sitting on the bench, ready to jump in and help out when needed. Those are the reserves! They're the backup plan, ready for action.
👶 For kids: Reserves are like the extra helpers or team players who are ready to step in when the first ones need a break!
More Examples
The football club relies on its reserves to fill in for injured players.
A large number of people are joining the army reserves to support their families.
How It's Used
"The reserves were called up during the emergency."
"The team called up players from its reserves to cover injured players."
To arrange for someone to have a seat, room, or table, or for something to be kept for their use.
/rɪˈzɜːrvz/
To arrange for something to be available for a particular person or purpose.
I reserved a flight to London for next week.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're going to the movies, and you call to tell them to 'save' two seats for you and your friend. That means you reserve those seats, making sure they're available when you arrive.
👶 For kids: When you reserve something, it means you tell someone to keep it for you to use later!
More Examples
They reserved the conference room for the meeting.
We will reserve a copy of your book.
How It's Used
"We reserved a table at the restaurant for dinner."
"She reserved a room at the hotel."
To keep something for a particular purpose or time.
/rɪˈzɜːrvz/
To keep or store something for future use.
The bank reserves the right to refuse service.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're saving a special toy you love, so you can play with it when you're feeling down. You are reserving your toy! Basically keeping it for later.
👶 For kids: To reserve something means to save it for later!
More Examples
They reserved their judgment until all the evidence was presented.
She reserved some of her strength for the final sprint.
How It's Used
"The company reserves a portion of its profits for investment."
"She reserves her energy for the marathon."
Synonyms
Cache
Hoard
Auxiliary
Backup
Contingent
Pool
Book
Hold
Keep
Idioms & expressions
reserve judgment
To postpone making a judgment or decision until one has all the facts or information.
"I'm going to reserve judgment until I hear both sides of the story."
From Old French *reserver* (to keep, save), from Latin *reservare* (to keep back, save, reserve), from *re-* (back) + *servare* (to keep, save).
The word 'reserve' has been used since the 14th century, originally stemming from the idea of keeping something back or aside. Its use has broadened over time to include financial, military, and social contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a 're-serve' of goods: they are kept back for when you need them.