undemonstrative

[uhn-duh-mon-struh-tiv]

adjective

1. not given to open exhibition or expression of emotion, especially of affection.

   Synonyms: impassive, unresponsive, shy, reserved

undemonstrative

/ ˌʌndɪˈmɒnstrətɪv /

adjective

1. tending not to show the feelings; of a reserved nature

Other Word Forms

• undemonstrativeness noun
• undemonstratively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of undemonstrative¹

First recorded in 1840–50; un- ¹ + demonstrative

Example Sentences

Fletcher and Bayliss may have been just as undemonstrative - and Flower had a comparably successful playing career - but none had McCullum's star quality.

From BBC

At Kerr’s games, while all the other parents yelled urgently at their kids from the stands, they would sit quietly, undemonstrative, all but still.

From Washington Post

In “Colonial Revival” a whole life – “cool, dry, bottled” – is related in three pages, in a style that is undemonstrative but full of feeling.

From The Guardian

As he went from doubted boy to Super Bowl winner, the audience didn’t always appreciate the peculiar quality of his character, so muted and undemonstrative.

From Washington Post

Varney had narrow, undemonstrative eyes, gray eyes, as though they were issued by the Marine Corps.

From Literature