Definition

1. Noun:

   • A supply kept for future use: Something saved or set aside to be used later, often for a specific purpose.
   • Restraint in expression or bearing: The quality of being formal, unemotional, or reluctant to show feelings or opinions.
   • A substitute player: An athlete who is available to replace a regular team member.
   • Military forces not on active duty: Troops retained for potential deployment in emergencies.
   • An area of land set aside: A tract of public land designated for a special use, such as for wildlife or indigenous peoples.

2. Verb:

   • To arrange for something to be kept for future use: To secure or set aside something for a particular person, purpose, or time.
   • To retain or hold back: To keep something, such as a right, judgment, or feeling, for possible future use or expression.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The country has large oil reserves. (A supply kept for future use)
  • She spoke with characteristic reserve, revealing little. (Restraint in expression)
  • He is the first reserve for the national team. (A substitute player)
  • The army called up its reserves. (Military forces not on active duty)
  • They visited a nature reserve. (An area of land set aside)

• Verb:

  • I'd like to reserve a table for two at 8 PM. (To arrange for something to be kept)
  • The management reserves the right to refuse entry. (To retain or hold back a right)
  • She reserved her strongest criticism for the final section of her report. (To hold back for future expression)

Advanced Usage

• "In reserve": Available to be used if needed.

  • We keep a generator in reserve for power outages.

• "Without reserve": Completely and openly; without holding back.

  • He accepted the apology without reserve.

• "To reserve judgment": To delay forming or stating an opinion.

  • I will reserve judgment until I have seen all the evidence.

Variants and Related Words

• Reservation (n): 1. The action of reserving something. 2. An expression of doubt or qualification. 3. An area of land set aside.

  • I made a hotel reservation.
  • I have some reservations about the plan.

• Reserved (adj): 1. Slow to reveal emotions or opinions; restrained. 2. Set aside for a particular person or use.

  • He is a very reserved person.
  • These seats are reserved for guests.

Synonyms

• Noun (Supply): Stockpile, cache, store, backup.
• Noun (Restraint): Reticence, formality, aloofness.
• Verb (Arrange to keep): Book, secure, retain.
• Verb (Hold back): Keep, withhold, preserve.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Reserve" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meanings are typically expressed directly.)

Related Idioms

• "Reserve of strength": A hidden or untapped source of energy or power.

  • In the final mile, she found a reserve of strength and sprinted to the finish.

• "To have something in reserve": To have something kept back for use when needed.

  • A good negotiator always has a compromise in reserve.

Noun

1. the trait of being uncommunicative; not volunteering anything more than necessary
2. armed forces that are not on active duty but can be called in an emergency
3. a district that is reserved for particular purpose
4. (medicine) potential capacity to respond in order to maintain vital functions
5. an athlete who plays only when a starter on the team is replaced
6. something kept back or saved for future use or a special purpose
7. formality and propriety of manner

Verb

1. arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance
   • reserve me a seat on a flight
   • The agent booked tickets to the show for the whole family
   • please hold a table at Maxim's
2. obtain or arrange (for oneself) in advance
   • We managed to reserve a table at Maxim's
3. give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause
   • I will earmark this money for your research
   • She sets aside time for meditation every day
4. hold back or set aside, especially for future use or contingency
   • they held back their applause in anticipation