undemonstrative

American  

[uhn-duh-mon-struh-tiv] / ˌʌn dəˈmɒn strə tɪv /

adjective

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

   Synonyms:

   impassive, unresponsive, shy, reserved

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undemonstrative British  

/ ˌʌndɪˈmɒnstrətɪv /

adjective

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

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Other Word Forms

• undemonstratively
  adverb
• undemonstrativeness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of undemonstrative

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

Example Sentences

Undemonstrative as they were, and meagre as had been any spoken words of affection, the bond of natural love between them had seemed strong and unbreakable until Smith’s coming.

From 'Me--Smith' by Hoskins, Gayle Porter

Undemonstrative and burly in a fat-pig style, Mr Verloc, without either rubbing his hands with satisfaction or winking sceptically at his thoughts, proceeded on his way. 

From The Secret Agent a Simple Tale by Conrad, Joseph

Undemonstrative, however, he bestowed no word of affection.

From Autobiography of a Yogi by Yogananda, Paramahansa

“What did Sir Dignified Undemonstrative have to say for himself?”

From Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline A Story of the Development of a Young Girl's Life by Drinkwater, Jennie M.

Undemonstrative, un-dē-mon′stra-tiv, adj. not showing feeling openly, reserved, quiet.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various