Definition

The quality of being quiet, shy, or not showing one's feelings openly.

Example

Her reservedness made it difficult for her to make new friends at the party.

Conversation

Have you noticed how much reservedness he shows around new people?

Yeah, it makes him seem a bit distant sometimes.

I wonder if he's always been like that, or if something happened.

It could be just his personality; some people are naturally more reserved.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Reservedness → It is formed from "reserved" (from Latin "reservare", meaning to keep back or hold back) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "reservedness" refers to the quality of being reserved or holding back one's thoughts or feelings.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'holding back' ('reservare') their emotions or thoughts, which is why they are described as having reservedness.

Visually Confused Words