ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reserve

v. · n.
US //ɹiˈzɝv// re·serve
  1. 1 to book in advance (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to arrange to have a seat, room, or table kept for you at a later time.

    to engage or book a service or facility in advance to ensure availability.

    Example

    I would like to reserve a table for four people at seven o'clock tonight.

    Example

    The travel agency advised us to reserve our accommodation months in advance to avoid the steep price increases during the peak summer season.

    Usage

    Often used with 'for' to indicate the person or time.
  2. 2 to keep for later (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to keep something for a particular person or a special reason.

    to set something aside for a specific purpose or person; to retain a right or power.

    Example

    The judge will reserve her decision until she has seen all the evidence.

    Example

    The publisher reserves the right to edit any submitted manuscripts for length and clarity before they go to print.

    Usage

    Common in legal contexts, especially in the phrase 'reserve the right'.
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  1. 3 extra supply (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Finance

    a supply of something that is kept so that it can be used if it is needed.

    a supply of a commodity or resource not needed for immediate use but available if required.

    Example

    The country has a large reserve of oil to use during emergencies.

    Example

    The central bank increased its foreign currency reserves to protect the national economy against sudden market fluctuations.
  2. 4 protected area (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    an area of land where animals and plants are protected.

    a tract of land managed so as to preserve its flora, fauna, and physical features.

    Example

    We spent the afternoon at the nature reserve watching the rare birds.

    Example

    The government designated the coastal wetlands as a biological reserve to prevent industrial development from destroying the local ecosystem.
  3. 5 shy behaviour (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a quality in someone's personality that makes them keep their feelings private.

    a lack of openness or familiarity in manner; a tendency to be quiet and controlled.

    Example

    It took a long time to get to know him because of his natural reserve.

    Example

    Despite her professional reserve, she was known among her close friends for her sharp wit and generous spirit.
  4. 6 substitute player (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    a player who is available to replace another player if needed.

    an extra player in a team who is ready to play if a regular player is injured or unavailable.

    Example

    He was disappointed to be named as a reserve for the championship match.

    Example

    The coach decided to bring on two reserves during the second half to provide the team with fresh energy.
  5. 7 military force (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Military

    soldiers who are not in the regular army but can be called to fight if needed.

    a body of troops kept back from action to reinforce others or available for service in an emergency.

    Example

    The army called up the reserves when the conflict began to escalate.

    Example

    After serving four years of active duty, he remained in the naval reserves while pursuing his university degree.
Origin

From Old French reserver, from Latin reservō (“to reserve, retain”).

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