restrained

/rɪˈstreɪnd/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪˈstreɪnd/ (ame, ipa) · /ri-ˈstrānd/ (ame, mw)

restrained — adjective

  • restrainedpositive
  • more restrainedcomparative
  • most restrainedsuperlative

1. describing someone who keeps their feelings and reactions carefully under contro

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing someone who keeps their feelings and reactions carefully under control, staying calm even when they are upset, angry, or under pressure

例句

The night-shift nurse remained restrained when the patient's family began shouting at her.

remain + restrained — keeping calm under pressure

After the final, the young swimmer gave a restrained interview and shook the winner's hand.

restrained + interview — controlled speech in an emotional moment

同義詞
  • calm

    focuses on inner peace rather than visible control

  • composed

    more formal, suggests deliberate control especially under stress

  • controlled

    emphasises active effort to hold emotions back

  • reserved

    suggests a naturally quiet personality rather than a deliberate choice

反義詞

文法句型

be + restrained

remain + restrained

restrained + noun

用法筆記

Frequently describes how a person speaks or reacts in a difficult situation. Common in formal contexts such as news reports, court proceedings, and workplace conversations.

常見錯誤

❌The children were very restrained during play time.
✅The children were very restrained during the school assembly.
💡'restrained' fits situations requiring self-control, not ordinary quiet behaviour.
❌She felt restrained in her new job.
✅She remained restrained during the difficult meeting.
💡'restrained' describes controlled outward behaviour, not a feeling of being restricted.

2. kept within sensible limits, avoiding too much colour, decoration, or expense so

2.形容詞B2
釋義

kept within sensible limits, avoiding too much colour, decoration, or expense so that the result is simple and tasteful

例句

The bedroom was decorated in restrained shades of grey and pale blue.

restrained + shades/colours — not bright or bold

Dr. Okafor chose a restrained suit with no patterns for the formal conference.

同義詞
  • subdued

    implies deliberately toned-down, especially for colours or mood

  • understated

    suggests elegance through simplicity rather than decoration

  • modest

    less formal, can apply to spending or lifestyle

  • simple

    broader term, lacks the 'controlled choice' meaning of 'restrained'

反義詞
  • extravagant

    spending or decorating without limits

  • flashy

    attracting attention through showy colours or decoration

  • excessive

    going beyond what is reasonable or necessary

文法句型

restrained + noun

be + restrained

用法筆記

Typically describes visual style, decoration, spending, or artistic choices. Often found in reviews of design, fashion, architecture, and in discussions of personal finance.

常見錯誤

❌She wore a restrained dress to the party.
✅She wore a restrained dress to the formal dinner.
💡'restrained' describes deliberately simple style, which suits formal events better than parties.
❌The portion sizes were restrained.
✅The restaurant's menu was restrained, offering only a few carefully chosen dishes.
💡'restrained' usually describes an overall approach or style, not individual items.