What is reservation? Pronunciation and usage in English

reservation means . Learn how to pronounce and use reservation through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of reservation

reservationnoun

/ˌrɛzəˈveɪʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of reservation

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "reservation." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˌrezərˈveɪʃən/ (Rhymes with "de-SER-vee-shun")

Let's break that down further:

  • rez - Pronounced like "rez" as in "reset." Short and sharp.
  • er - Silent. Don't say anything here.
  • ˈveɪ - This is the stressed syllable. Pronounce it like "vay" as in "say." This is the part that really matters.
  • shun - Pronounced like "shun" as in “sun”.

Here's a more detailed guide with phonetic symbols (if you're familiar with them):

/ˌrezərˈveɪʃən/

  • ˌ - indicates a secondary stress (meaning the second syllable is more emphasized)
  • rez - /rez/ (as above)
  • er - /er/ (silent)
  • ˈveɪ - /ˈveɪ/ (stress on this syllable)
  • shun – /ʃən/ (as above)

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The most important thing is to emphasize the second syllable ("vay"). This is where many people slip up.
  • Silent "er": Don't pronounce the "er" – it's a common mistake.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to improve is to hear it! Here are some good resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "reservation" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/reservation/ - This website has audio pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce reservation" on YouTube for videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of words that rhyme with it?

Usage and examples with the word reservation in English

Let's break down how to use the word "reservation" effectively in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized by its common uses:

1. Making a Booking/Holding Something (Most Common)

  • Meaning: A formal agreement to have something (a table, a room, a seat, etc.) for a specific time or date.
  • Examples:
    • "I need to make a reservation at the restaurant for tonight." (You're booking a table.)
    • "Do you have a reservation under Smith?" (Asking if a table is held for someone.)
    • "We made a reservation for the concert last week." (You secured a spot.)
    • "Could you please confirm your reservation?" (Checking if the booking is still valid.)

2. An Objection or Disagreement (Formal)

  • Meaning: A formal expression of disagreement or opposition. It's a more polite way of saying "objection" or "I disagree."
  • Examples:
    • "I have a reservation about the proposed budget cuts." (You’re expressing concern.)
    • "The committee raised a reservation regarding the project’s timeline." (They have doubts.)
    • "We had a minor reservation about its safety before approving it.” (A small concern).

3. A Protected Area (Geography/Nature)

  • Meaning: Land or a sea area set aside for a specific purpose, often conservation.
  • Examples:
    • "Yellowstone National Park is a vast reservation." (A designated area for preservation)
    • "The indigenous tribe maintains a reservation on the plains.” (A land set aside for them).
    • "The government is creating a marine reservation to protect the coral reefs."

4. A Hold Back (General)

  • Meaning: To hold back or keep something in mind; a feeling of skepticism or uncertainty. This usage is less common now.
  • Examples:
    • "I have a reservation about trusting him completely." (I'm hesitant.) - This is becoming less frequent; "I'm skeptical" or "I'm wary" are often better choices.

Key Phrases & Tips:

  • "To make a reservation": This is the most common phrase when booking.
  • "Confirm your reservation": Always a good idea!
  • "I have a reservation...": Used to express an opinion or concern.
  • "Reserve" (verb): Often used interchangeably with "make a reservation," but "reservation" is the noun (the thing you're making). Example: "I'm reserving a table."

Here's a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Part of Speech Example
Booking/Holding Noun "We made a reservation for dinner."
Objection/Disagreement Noun “There’s a reservation about the plan.”
Protected Area Noun “The land is part of an Indian reservation.”
Hold Back (Skepticism) Noun “I have a reservation about this idea.”

To help me give you even more specific advice, could you tell me:

  • What context are you thinking of using "reservation" in? (e.g., making a dinner booking, discussing a project, talking about geography?)

Synonyms for the word reservation

Practice with vocabulary reservation

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. We need to make a dinner ______ at the new Italian restaurant, as it's always fully booked.
  2. The conference organizer confirmed our ______ for a private meeting room for Tuesday afternoon.
  3. Could you please confirm your ______ for the annual review with your manager next week?
  4. The board member voiced a deep ______ about the financial projections presented in the report.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following terms could you use when securing a table at a popular restaurant? a) booking b) confirmation c) reservation d) arrangement

  2. If you have a prior ______ for a specific resource, it ensures that item or service is held for your use. a) occupancy b) reservation c) schedule d) holding

  3. When a team member voices a strong ______ regarding a new strategy, it indicates they have doubts or objections. a) hesitation b) skepticism c) reservation d) approval

  4. Before the conference, we finalized all the travel ______ for the international speakers, including flights and accommodation. a) bookings b) arrangements c) schedules d) itineraries

  5. The online platform requires full payment at the time of your course ______ to secure your spot. a) registration b) booking c) purchase d) selection

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: We secured our seats for the evening concert well in advance. Rewrite using "reservation":

  2. Original: Despite the compelling presentation, a few committee members expressed some serious doubts about the project's feasibility. Rewrite using "reservation" or related word forms:

  3. Original: Before going to the doctor, I always make sure to call ahead and book a specific time slot. Rewrite (do not use "reservation"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. reservation
  2. reservation
  3. appointment
  4. concern

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) booking, c) reservation
  2. b) reservation
  3. a) hesitation, b) skepticism, c) reservation
  4. a) bookings, b) arrangements, d) itineraries
  5. b) booking, c) purchase

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We made a reservation for the evening concert well in advance.
  2. Despite the compelling presentation, a few committee members expressed some serious reservations about the project's feasibility.
  3. Before going to the doctor, I always make sure to call ahead and make an appointment for a specific time slot.

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