reserved
word · lemma: reserve
/ɹiˈzɝvd/, /ɹɪˈzɝvd/
ri-ZURVD
/rɪˈzɜːvd/
ri-ZURVD
Definition
Describes someone who does not easily show their feelings or opinions, or something that has been kept for a specific person or purpose.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used for personality traits ('a reserved person') and for things set aside ('reserved seating'). It is neutral to formal. Not to be confused with 'shy', which means nervous around people; 'reserved' is about being quiet or private.
Spanish: reservado - retraídoPortuguese (BR): reservado - contidoPortuguese (PT): reservado - recatadoChinese (Simplified): 内向的 - 保留的Chinese (Traditional): 內向的 - 保留的Hindi: संकोची - आरक्षितArabic: متحفظ - محجوزBengali: সংযত - সংরক্ষিতRussian: сдержанный - зарезервированныйJapanese: 控えめ - 予約済みVietnamese: kín đáo - dành riêngKorean: 과묵한 - 예약된Turkish: çekingen - rezerveUrdu: کم گو - مخصوصIndonesian: pendiam - dipesan
Example Sentences
These seats are reserved for VIP guests.
basic
He seemed reserved during the meeting.
basic
My brother is a bit reserved until he gets to know you.
natural
The table by the window is reserved—you can't sit there.
natural
She’s so reserved that it can be hard to tell what she’s really thinking.
natural
She is very reserved and doesn't talk much in class.
basic