adjective

reserved

/rɪˈzɜrvd/ · say it: rih·ZURVD

slow to reveal emotion or opinions

In Personality & Character

In more detail

1. (adjective) unwilling to show your feelings or talk about private matters

2. (adjective) kept for someone's special use or for a particular time

Examples

1. He is a reserved person who doesn't share his emotions easily.
2. We have a reserved table at the restaurant for tonight.

How to use reserved

Reserved describes someone emotionally restrained or reluctant to share personal information, often implying dignity or formality rather than shyness. It can also mean set aside or allocated for specific use. The emotional sense is often positive, suggesting composure, while the allocative sense is neutral and practical.

Common phrases

reserved manner
reserved seat
reserved judgment
reserved parking
reserved in nature
reserved about one's feelings

Synonyms

reticent · taciturn · guarded · aloof · withdrawn

Opposites

outgoing · forthcoming · open

Word family

reserve (noun, verb) · reservedly (adverb) · reservedness (noun) · reservation (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'reserved' with 'shy'; reserved people may be confident but simply choose not to be emotionally expressive, whereas shy people fear social judgment.

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