reserved

/rɪˈzɜːvd/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪˈzɜːrvd/ (ame, ipa) · /ri-ˈzərvd/ (ame, mw)

reserved — adjective

  • reservedpositive
  • more reservedcomparative
  • most reservedsuperlative

1. not saying much about what you feel or think, and usually behaving in a quiet, c

1.形容詞B2
釋義

not saying much about what you feel or think, and usually behaving in a quiet, controlled way with other people.

例句

Lan stayed reserved during the first team dinner and listened more than she spoke.

stay + reserved in social situations

Even after six months in class, David remained reserved whenever talk turned to private matters.

同義詞
  • reticent

    more formal and often stresses unwillingness to speak

  • restrained

    emphasises self-control in words and actions

  • quiet

    broader and weaker; it may describe low volume rather than emotional distance

  • shy

    suggests nervousness with people, while reserved can be deliberate

反義詞
  • open

    willing to share thoughts and feelings freely

  • expressive

    showing emotions clearly in face, voice, or actions

  • outgoing

    comfortable and energetic in social situations

文法句型

be + reserved

seem/remain + reserved

reserved with/around + people

用法筆記

Often used after be, seem, and remain, or before nouns such as smile, manner, and nature. With people introduced after with or around, it usually suggests self-control or distance rather than the simple nervousness implied by shy.

常見錯誤

He is reserved to people he does not know well.
He is reserved with people he does not know well.
💡Use 'with' or 'around' to show who receives the distant behaviour.
Mina is reserved because she feels nervous before every conversation.
Mina is shy because she feels nervous before every conversation.
💡reserved often suggests holding yourself back, not just feeling scared.

2. kept ready for one named user or for a special use because someone arranged it i

2.形容詞B1
釋義

kept ready for one named user or for a special use because someone arranged it in advance.

例句

The front row seats are reserved for parents of the graduating students.

be reserved for + group allowed to use something

Marta called early, so the corner table is reserved under her name tonight.

reserved under + name for restaurants or hotels

同義詞
  • booked

    common for tables, rooms, and tickets after someone makes a reservation

  • set aside

    broader and usable for objects, time, or money, not only seats and tables

  • held

    common in customer-service language for something kept until a certain time

  • assigned

    stresses official allocation, such as a seat number or parking space

反義詞
  • available

    free for anyone to take or use

  • open

    not restricted to a special group

  • unreserved

    not kept for any particular person

文法句型

be reserved for + person/purpose

reserved under + name

用法筆記

Most often appears after be with for + person, group, or purpose, or under + name in travel, dining, and event contexts. Distinguish it from booked, which more often describes the action of making the arrangement rather than the seat, table, or room being kept.

常見錯誤

These seats are reserved to VIP guests.
These seats are reserved for VIP guests.
💡Use 'reserved for' to show who may use the seat or space.
The ticket is reserved by me.
The ticket is reserved for me.
💡This adjective describes who the ticket is being kept for, not who performed the action.