reserved

[ri-zurvd]

adjective

1. kept or set apart for some particular use or purpose.

2. kept by special arrangement for some person.

   a reserved seat.

3. formal or self-restrained in manner and relationship; avoiding familiarity or intimacy with others.

   a quiet, reserved man.

   Synonyms: composed, cold, distant, withdrawn, taciturn, constrained, reticent, controlled

4. characterized by reserve, as the disposition, manner, etc..

   reserved comments.

   Synonyms: composed, cold, distant, withdrawn, taciturn, constrained, reticent, controlled

5. retaining the original color of a surface, especially when decorating portions of the surface with other colors.

reserved

/ rɪˈzɜːvd, rɪˈzɜːvɪdlɪ /

adjective

1. set aside for use by a particular person or people

   this table is reserved

2. cool or formal in manner; restrained, silent, or reticent

3. destined; fated

   reserved for great things

4. referring to matters that are the responsibility of the national parliament rather than a devolved regional assembly

   defence is a reserved issue

Other Word Forms

• reservedly adverb
• reservedness noun
• overreserved adjective
• overreservedly adverb
• overreservedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reserved¹

A late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; reserve, -ed ²

Example Sentences

It is a different story in Nagoya, where officials say they’d happily welcome more visitors, though they admit that putting the city out there isn’t something that comes easily to its reserved inhabitants.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He’s hoping to commandeer another part of their basement, one currently reserved for their cats.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Most are reserved for the dinner hour, when diners have the time to leisurely enjoy nigiri one bite at a time.

Read more on Salon

Under the terms of the new budget bill, that access is more limited and primarily reserved for green-card holders after five years of permanent residence.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Stripping royal titles was something reserved for those who committed near treasonable offenses or no longer considered part of the extended royal clan.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• aloof 
• cautious 
• composed 
• distant 
• modest 
• peaceful 
• placid 
• quiet 
• restrained 
• reticent 
• serene 
• soft-spoken 
• taciturn