What is reserved? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of reserved

reservedadjective

/rɪˈzəːvd/
Definition & pronunciation of reserved

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "reserved." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown of the sounds and how to put them together:

1. The Sounds:

  • Re-: This is pronounced like "ree" (as in "see").
  • -served: This is the most challenging part. It's a diphthong – meaning it’s a combination of two vowel sounds. It starts with a short "e" sound (like in "bed") and glides smoothly into a rounded "uh" sound (like in "cup").

2. Putting It Together:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

ˈrɛz-ˌerved

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈrɛz (stress is on this syllable) – "reez" - very short "e" sound.
  • ˌerved – "uh-vrd" – The "uh" sound followed by "vrd" (like "verd" but a bit softer).

3. Helpful Tips & Sound Examples:

  • Listen to native speakers: This is crucial. Here are some resources:

    • Google Translate: Type "reserved" and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/reserved/ – This website has audio recordings of the word pronounced by many different native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce reserved" – you’ll find many helpful videos.

  • Focus on the diphthong: Really work on the "uh" sound gliding into the "vrd." Don't just say "reez-served."

  • Exaggerate at first: When you're practicing, slightly over-emphasize the "uh" sound to get a feel for it.

  • Listen to how it's used in context: Hearing "reserved table" or "reserved seat" will help you get the rhythm and flow.

In short, think: "Reez-uh-vrd"

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a slightly different (less common) pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word reserved in English

Let's break down how to use the word "reserved" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings, so it's important to understand the context. Here's a breakdown of its common uses:

1. As an Adjective (Describing a Person):

  • Meaning: Calm, quiet, and not overly enthusiastic or outgoing. They don't usually show strong emotions or opinions easily.
  • Examples:
    • "He's a very reserved person; it takes a lot to make him laugh."
    • "She was reserved during the interview, but she seemed confident once she got to know the team."
    • "Don't mistake her quietness for disinterest; she’s just naturally reserved."
  • Synonyms: Quiet, aloof, restrained, unemotional, cool, distant.

2. As an Adjective (Describing a Table, Seat, or Space):

  • Meaning: Set aside and not available for general use. It's booked or held for someone or something specific.
  • Examples:
    • "We reserved a table for six at the restaurant."
    • "I reserved seat number 12A."
    • "The conference room is reserved for the client meeting."
    • "There's no parking reserved for VIPs."
  • Related Phrases: "Have you reserved anything?" - "Yes, we reserved a room."

3. As a Verb (Meaning to Hold Something Back):

  • Meaning: To keep a feeling, thought, or action to oneself; to not express something openly. This is subtly different from being reserved (the adjective).
  • Examples:
    • "She reserved her criticism for later." (She didn't express it immediately.)
    • "He reserved his congratulations until he was sure she'd succeeded."
    • "Don't reserve your anger; let it out." (Don't hold it back.)
  • Synonyms: Suppress, withhold, keep back, contain.

4. In Shipping/Logistics (Less Common Usage):

  • Meaning: Placed on hold for shipment, often with a charge.
  • Example: "We reserved a pallet of goods for delivery next week." (This is more formal and often used in business contexts).

Here’s a table summarizing the different uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Adjective Calm, quiet, not outgoing "He’s a very reserved man."
Adjective Set aside, booked, unavailable "We reserved a table."
Verb To hold back, suppress "She reserved her criticism."

Tips for Using "Reserved" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to how the word is used in the sentence to determine its meaning.
  • Consider the nuance: “Reserved” describes a personality trait, while “reserved” (as a verb) describes an action of holding something back.

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

  • What is the context you're thinking about using the word "reserved" in? (e.g., describing a person, making a reservation, talking about emotions?)

Synonyms for the word reserved

Practice with vocabulary reserved

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Due to high demand, all meeting rooms for the afternoon were already ______.
  2. Despite her professional success, Sarah remained a rather ______ individual, rarely sharing personal details.
  3. The small cafe was completely ______ when we arrived, with no empty tables available.
  4. He's usually quite ______ in social settings, always initiating conversations and making new friends easily.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The best parking spots near the entrance are usually ______ for management. a) taken b) open c) reserved d) available

  2. During the networking event, John was quite ______, preferring to listen rather than actively participate in large group discussions. a) talkative b) gregarious c) introverted d) reserved

  3. Access to the executive lounge is strictly ______ for Platinum cardholders. a) limited b) restricted c) reserved d) permitted

  4. All public areas of the resort were fully ______ for the annual corporate retreat. a) occupied b) free c) empty d) open

  5. She tends to be very ______ when making important decisions, carefully weighing all options before committing. a) impulsive b) decisive c) cautious d) rash

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company keeps specific funds to cover unforeseen expenses in the upcoming fiscal year. (Rewrite using "reserved")

  2. He doesn't often express his feelings openly in professional settings, preferring to keep his thoughts to himself. (Rewrite using "reserved")

  3. The conference hall was completely full, so there were no seats left for latecomers. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word for "full")

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. reserved
  2. reserved
  3. occupied
  4. outgoing

Exercise 2:

  1. c) reserved
  2. c) introverted, d) reserved
  3. a) limited, b) restricted, c) reserved
  4. a) occupied
  5. c) cautious

Exercise 3:

  1. Specific funds are reserved by the company to cover unforeseen expenses in the upcoming fiscal year.
  2. He is often quite reserved in professional settings, preferring to keep his thoughts to himself.
  3. The conference hall was completely occupied, so there were no seats left for latecomers.

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