restrained

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

restrained — 形容詞

  • restrainedpositive
  • more restrainedcomparative
  • most restrainedsuperlative

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

1.形容詞B2
釋義

克制的

情緒不外露、冷靜自持的

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.

病人的家屬開始對她大吼時，那位夜班護士仍保持克制。

remain + restrained — keeping calm under pressure

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

即使輸掉了冠軍賽，那位年輕泳將仍克制地接受採訪，並恭喜對手。

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

簡約的；節制的

不過度裝飾或花費的

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.

這間臥室以灰色和淡藍色等簡約色調裝飾。

restrained + shades/colours — not bright or bold

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

Okafor 醫生為了正式會議選擇了一套沒有花紋的簡約西裝。

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.