undemonstrative

/'ʌndi'mɔnstrətiv/

Thân thiện

He remained undemonstrative even after hearing the good news.

Definition

1. 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.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. not given to open expression of emotion