undemonstrative

[ uhn-duh-mon-struh-tiv ]

adjective

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

   Synonyms: unresponsive, impassive, shy, reserved

undemonstrative

/ ˌʌndɪˈmɒnstrətɪv /

adjective

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

Derived Forms

• ˌundeˈmonstrativeness, noun
• ˌundeˈmonstratively, adverb

Other Words From

• unde·monstra·tive·ly adverb
• unde·monstra·tive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of undemonstrative¹

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

Example Sentences

By the time he was 10, he’d run away several times—to explore the world around him, he insists, not rile up his undemonstrative parents.

From The Daily Beast

Dream dates come knocking, and undemonstrative mates mount quite a show of affection.

From The Daily Beast

Yet this sounds too severe on Miss Mildmay, who in her own undemonstrative way did love her nephew and nieces.

From Project Gutenberg

She knew that she had been undemonstrative in her manner, and that such was her nature.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a religion of love, practical, undemonstrative, knowing nothing of pageantry and spectacle.

From Project Gutenberg

But she remembered that Suzette was always undemonstrative, and she did not blame her, after her first disappointment.

From Project Gutenberg

She was an undemonstrative girl, though her likes and dislikes were well known to herself.

From Project Gutenberg