re-

back, again; restoration or reversal

Forms

re-
red- — An early Latin form used before vowels and h.

Origin

Its ancestry before Latin is uncertain.

Note

In some old compounds the prefix adds emphasis, while in others its separate contribution has become unclear.

198 / 284

noun / verb

reserve

rih-ZURV/rɪzˈɝv/

Something kept available for later use.

The man keeps one water bottle in reserve while using the other.

Man sets one filled water bottle aside in small marked clock-icon storage box while using another, visibly keeping portion for later; no words or interior background.

Etymology

reLatinback, again; restoration or reversal

+serveLatinkeep, preserve, or watch over

The pieces express “keeping back”: something reserved is withheld from immediate or general use. That makes it available later, or keeps it apart for a particular person.

In context

The Sharp Dressed Gent2:24

remember to reserve them for informal or semiformal occasions as they are not a replacement for traditional dress shoes in strictly formal contexts.

Are Espadrilles A Good Dress Shoe Alternative? - The Sharp Dressed Gent

More examples

Our food reserves last through the winter.
Reserve half the sauce for tomorrow's dinner.
She keeps some energy in reserve for the final mile.

Forms

reserve · reserves · reserved · reserving

Similar words

stockpile: Usually emphasizes a large supply accumulated for future needs.
supply: An available quantity, not necessarily set aside for later.