reserved

/ri-ˈzərvd/

adjective

  1. restrained in words and actions

  2. kept or set apart or aside for future or special use

silent taciturn reticent reserved secretive mean showing restraint in speaking. silent implies a habit of saying no more than is needed. taciturn implies a temperamental disinclination to speech and usually connotes unsociability.

verb

  1. to hold in reserve : keep, back

  2. to set aside (part of the consecrated elements) at the Eucharist for future use

  3. to retain or hold over to a future time or place : defer

reserve grain for seed

keep retain detain withhold reserve mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control. keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control. retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

noun

  1. a political power reserved by a constitution to the exclusive jurisdiction of a specified political authority