What is reserve? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of reserve

reserveverb

/rɪˈzəːv/
Definition & pronunciation of reserve

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "reserve" in English. It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced! Here's a breakdown:

The Correct Pronunciation:

The generally accepted pronunciation is:

ˈrezərˌvɛər

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈrez - This is similar to the "rez" in "pizza" or "fez." The emphasis (indicated by the apostrophe) is on this first syllable.
  • ər - This is a short "er" sound, like in "her" or "bird." Don't say "eh."
  • ˌvɛər - This is the tricky part. This syllable sounds like "veer" – like the direction you turn. It's a vowel sound that's a bit more rounded than a simple "ah."

Here's a helpful breakdown of the sound:

  • Think "rez-er-veer" – mentally breaking it into three parts helps.

Common Mispronunciations and Why They're Wrong:

  • "Reh-serve" - Many people say "reh," which is incorrect. It doesn't have that "z" sound.
  • "Re-zerv" - This splits the word awkwardly and sounds less natural.
  • "Reserv" - This is often followed by a silent "e," which is not correct.

Resources to Listen:

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

  • Where are you from? (Pronunciation can vary slightly by region.)

Usage and examples with the word reserve in English

Let's break down how to use the word "reserve" in English. It's a wonderfully versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. To Set Aside or Protect (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To hold something back for a specific purpose; to secure it for future use.
  • Examples:
    • "I need to reserve a table at the restaurant for tonight." (Hold a table)
    • "We need to reserve some water for the dry season." (Set aside)
    • "The company reserves all rights to change its policy." (Hold back, retain)
    • "The park reserves a portion of its land for wildlife." (Protect)

2. To Book or Arrange in Advance (Very Common)

  • Meaning: To make a prior arrangement, especially for a service or facility.
  • Examples:
    • "I’m going to reserve a hotel room for the weekend." (Book)
    • “You should reserve your tickets online before the show.” (Arrange)
    • “They reserve a flight for business travel.” (Book)
    • “Could you reserve a spot for me on the waiting list?” (Secure)

3. As a Verb (To Hold Back/Retain)

  • Meaning: To hold something back, usually because it's not immediately needed or desired.
  • Examples:
    • "He reserved his criticism for later." (Held back)
    • “She reserved her enthusiasm until she saw the project completed.” (Held back)
    • "The council reserves the right to veto the proposal." (Retained the power)

4. As a Noun (Something Held Back or Protected)

  • Meaning: A portion of something kept or set aside.
  • Examples:
    • "They created a reserve of funds for emergencies." (A set-aside amount)
    • "The national reserve is a protected area." (A designated area)
    • "The military has a strategic reserve of troops." (A held-back force)

5. Other Less Common Uses:

  • Reserve Fund: (Noun) A pool of money set aside for a specific purpose (like retirement or unexpected expenses).
  • Reserve Officer: (Noun) A military officer who is not a regular commissioned officer.
  • Reserve Energy: (Noun) Stored energy.

Phrases Using "Reserve":

  • Reserve duty: Military duty that is done occasionally, in addition to regular duties.
  • Reserve seat: A seat that is held for you on a bus or train.
  • Reserve a parking space: To book a space in advance.
  • Reserve a room: To book a hotel room.

Tips for Using "Reserve" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "reserve" depends heavily on the surrounding words.
  • Synonyms: Consider synonyms like “book,” “secure,” “hold,” “set aside,” or “retain” to ensure clarity.
  • Pronunciation: It’s pronounced /ˈrezərv/. The ‘r’ sound is relatively subtle.

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

  • What kind of context are you using "reserve" in? (e.g., booking travel, talking about conservation, describing a person's behavior?)

Synonyms for the word reserve

Idioms of the word reserve

in reserve
available to be used in the future or when needed
  • The money was being kept in reserve for their retirement.
  • 200 police officers were held in reserve.

Practice with vocabulary reserve

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company decided to __________ a portion of its annual profits for future research and development.
  2. Visitors must obtain a special permit to enter the national wildlife __________ due to its protected status.
  3. It is crucial to __________ ancient traditions and cultural heritage for future generations.
  4. The project manager asked the team to __________ enough resources for the final phase of development.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following verbs can mean 'to set aside or earmark something for a specific future use'? A) Claim B) Reserve C) Obtain D) Seize

  2. In financial planning, what term refers to a fund kept for emergencies or unexpected expenses? A) Surplus B) Reserve C) Contingency D) Savings

  3. If someone is described as having a certain 'reserve' in their personality, what does it imply? A) Outgoing B) Openness C) Shyness D) Self-restraint

  4. To diligently use resources sparingly to prevent waste is to: A) Conserve B) Preserve C) Maintain D) Safeguard

  5. What is the term for giving a particular share of something to someone or for a specific purpose? A) Allocate B) Assign C) Distribute D) Allot

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The hotel held back a few rooms for unexpected VIP guests. (Rewrite using a form of "reserve")

  2. It's important for companies to keep some financial assets ready for unforeseen challenges. (Rewrite using a form of "reserve")

  3. The old library building will be kept intact because of its historical significance. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word for "kept intact", but do not use "reserve")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company decided to reserve a portion of its annual profits for future research and development.
  2. Visitors must obtain a special permit to enter the national wildlife reserve due to its protected status.
  3. It is crucial to preserve ancient traditions and cultural heritage for future generations.
  4. The project manager asked the team to allocate enough resources for the final phase of development.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) Reserve
  2. B) Reserve, C) Contingency, D) Savings
  3. C) Shyness, D) Self-restraint
  4. A) Conserve
  5. A) Allocate, D) Allot

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The hotel decided to reserve a few rooms for unexpected VIP guests.
  2. It's important for companies to maintain a financial reserve for unforeseen challenges.
  3. The old library building will be preserved because of its historical significance.

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