undemonstrative
/'ʌndi'mɔnstrətiv/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not given to open expression of emotion: Describes a person who tends to be reserved, restrained, or does not readily show their feelings in an outward or obvious way.
Usage and Examples
- Adjective:
- He was a quiet and undemonstrative man, but his loyalty was never in doubt.
- Her undemonstrative nature made it difficult for her new friends to know if she was enjoying herself.
- In many cultures, being undemonstrative in public is considered a sign of dignity.
Advanced Usage
- "to remain undemonstrative": to continue to be reserved or not show emotion, especially in a situation where it might be expected.
- Despite the exciting news, she remained characteristically undemonstrative.
- "undemonstrative affection": love or fondness that is expressed in subtle, quiet ways rather than through overt gestures.
- His undemonstrative affection was shown through small acts of service, like making her coffee every morning.
Variants and Related Words
- Undemonstratively (adverb): In a reserved manner that does not show emotion openly.
- He nodded undemonstratively in agreement.
- Undemonstrativeness (noun): The quality or state of being undemonstrative.
- Her undemonstrativeness was sometimes mistaken for coldness.
Synonyms
- Reserved: Slow to reveal emotions or opinions.
- Restrained: Characterized by reserve or moderation; not flamboyant or overt.
- Reticent: Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily.
- Stoic: Enduring pain or hardship without showing feelings or complaining.
Antonyms
- Demonstrative: Openly expressive of emotions.
- Effusive: Expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained, heartfelt manner.
- Expressive: Effectively conveying thought or feeling.
- Unreserved: Open and frank in expression.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To keep a stiff upper lip: To remain resolute and unemotional in the face of adversity. (This idiom shares a conceptual similarity with being undemonstrative in difficult situations.)
- He was taught to keep a stiff upper lip and not cry in public.
- To play it close to the vest/chest: To be secretive or cautious, not revealing one's thoughts, feelings, or intentions. (This relates to being undemonstrative about one's plans or emotions.)
- She plays her cards close to her chest, so we never know what she's really thinking.
Adjective
-
not given to open expression of emotion
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