noun / verb
reserve
Restraint in expressing thoughts or feelings.
His natural reserve makes it hard to read his feelings.
Etymology
The Latin verb means keeping back. Personal reserve applies that restraint to thoughts and feelings that someone chooses not to disclose freely.
More examples
- She speaks without reserve when she is with close friends.
- Despite her initial reserve, she soon joins the conversation.
- He reserves his criticism until he can speak privately.
Forms
reserve · reserves · reserved · reserving
reserved adjective — Reluctant to express thoughts or feelings.