reserve Definition
- 1a supply of a commodity not needed for immediate use but available if required
- 2an area of land set aside for occupation by North American Indians or Australian Aborigines
- 3a person's self-restraint and avoidance of indulgence
Using reserve: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "reserve" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The company keeps a reserve of emergency funds.
Example
The national park has a wildlife reserve.
Example
He showed great reserve in his response to the criticism.
reserve Synonyms and Antonyms
Antonyms for reserve
Idioms Using reserve
Example
The hotel had no rooms available, but they put us on reserve in case of cancellations.
Example
She usually exercises great reserve, but today she threw caution to the wind and went skydiving.
to reserve a table, room, or seat in advance
Example
We need to make a reservation for dinner tonight.
Phrases with reserve
to delay making a decision or forming an opinion about something until more information is available
Example
I'll reserve judgment until I hear both sides of the story.
Example
He served in the military reserve for six years.
Example
The nature reserve is home to many endangered species.
Origins of reserve
from Old French 'reserver', from Latin 'reservare', meaning 'to keep back'
Summary: reserve in Brief
The term 'reserve' [rɪˈzɜːv] refers to a supply of something not needed immediately but available if required, such as emergency funds or a military force. It also denotes an area of land set aside for occupation by indigenous peoples or wildlife. 'Reserve' can also refer to a person's self-restraint and avoidance of indulgence, as in 'He showed great reserve in his response to the criticism.' Idioms like 'on reserve' and 'make a reservation' are also common.