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   Synonyms: composed, cold, distant, withdrawn, taciturn, constrained, reticent, controlled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   Synonyms: composed, cold, distant, withdrawn, taciturn, constrained, reticent, controlled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

• reservedness noun
• reservedly adverb
• 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

The suit also claims the government has violated the 10th Amendment, which says powers not given to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved for states and the American people.

From Los Angeles Times

Sculptures by Richard Matzkin, 82, take up one corner, but the majority of the studio walls are reserved for her artworks.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike many other fighters, Crawford says little, is reserved but intense when he goes after his opponent, avoids theatrics and gets straight to the point.

From Los Angeles Times

Like his father, Mac is unassuming and casual, but where Lorenzo is full of energy, always putting on a show and playing maestro for his customers, Mac is more reserved.

From Los Angeles Times

On May 22, the top court had reserved its judgment after hearing the case for three continuous days.

From BBC

Related Words

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