reserved

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Not showing thoughts or feelings easily; quiet and not very sociable.

   Grammar: Used to describe people or their manner; often before a noun or after a linking verb.

   Patterns

   • a reserved person
   • be reserved about something
   • seem reserved

   She is quite reserved and rarely talks about her personal life.

   He seemed reserved at first, but he opened up later.

   My brother is more reserved than I am.

2. 2adjectivebefore a noun

   Kept for a particular person or purpose; not available for general use.

   Grammar: Often used in phrases like 'reserved for someone' or 'reserved seating'.

   Patterns

   • reserved for someone
   • reserved parking
   • reserved seats

   This table is reserved for the guests of honor.

   The front row is reserved for staff.

   We have reserved parking spaces for visitors.

Word forms

Common combinations

quiet and reserved

He is a quiet and reserved man who prefers to listen.

reserved for

These seats are reserved for elderly passengers.

reserved about

She is reserved about her achievements.

reserved parking

The hotel has reserved parking for guests.

Synonyms and how they differ

shy

Shy suggests nervousness or fear in social situations, while reserved suggests a deliberate choice to keep feelings private.

introverted

Introverted is a psychological term for someone who gains energy from being alone, whereas reserved focuses on not expressing emotions openly.

withdrawn

Withdrawn often implies a lack of interest in social contact and can sound negative, while reserved is more neutral.

Opposites

Word family

reserve verb

To keep or set aside for a particular purpose.

reserve noun

A supply kept for future use, or a reservation.

reservedly adverb

In a restrained or unemotional way.

Commonly confused: reserved or reservoir?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “reserved”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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