# reserved

/ɹiˈzɝvd/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reserved
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. saved for someone

adjective · CEFR B1

kept for a particular person or group to use.

For teachers: set aside or kept for a specific person, group, or purpose; unavailable for general use.

- We couldn't sit at the table by the window because it was reserved.
- The front three rows were strictly reserved for the families of the graduates, leaving the rest of the hall for general seating.

### 2. quiet and private

adjective · CEFR B2

describing someone who is quiet and does not show their feelings easily.

For teachers: tending to keep one's thoughts, feelings, and personal affairs to oneself; reticent or shy in social interaction.

- He is quite reserved at work, but he is very funny when he is with his friends.
- Despite her reserved nature in professional meetings, she was known among her close colleagues for her sharp wit and insightful observations.

## Examples

- He is a very reserved person who rarely talks about himself.
- Although she was friendly at work, she remained reserved about her personal life and never discussed her family.
- The culture of the diplomatic corps often rewards a reserved manner, as it prevents the accidental disclosure of sensitive information during social gatherings.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.