What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reservedness
Example
Her reservedness made it difficult for her to make friends. [reservedness: noun]
Example
He spoke with a reservedness that made it hard to know what he was really thinking. [reservedness: noun]
restraint
Example
She showed great restraint in not reacting angrily to his insults. [restraint: noun]
Example
He restrained himself from eating the cake until after dinner. [restrained: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Restraint is more commonly used than reservedness in everyday language. Restraint is a versatile word that can be applied to various situations, while reservedness is less common and more specific to describing personality traits.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reservedness and restraint?
Both reservedness and restraint can be used in formal and informal contexts, but restraint is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
