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reservedly

reservedly

7.4
In a quiet, careful way that does not show feelings or strong opinions
  • adverb
  • /rɪˈzɜrvɪdli/
translation icon : reservadamente
  • They nodded reservedly, indicating their agreement without enthusiasm.
  • smile reservedly

Examples

  • She would smile knowingly, reservedly.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • "Claude," she said, smiling reservedly and extending a narrow hand to me.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • The department concluded reservedly, that it is impossible... to transmit a human or sub-human... anatomy through the beam from the Earth end.

  • She accepted the compliment reservedly, not wanting to appear too pleased.

  • When asked about his plans, he replied reservedly, unsure if he should share details.

Synonyms

impassively
vsreservedly
4 6.8

In a way that shows no feeling or reaction

is intentional formal restraint rather than mere absence of feeling
demurely
vsreservedly
3 6.1

In a quiet, modest way that shows shyness

is more formal restraint focusing on reluctance to express opinions or feelings
unemotionally
vsreservedly
1 5.0

In a calm way that does not show feelings

is a deliberate formal restraint in showing feelings and opinions rather than lacking emotion
stolidly
vsreservedly
1 8.4

Without showing much feeling or reaction

is more about controlled formal restraint rather than simply dull insensitivity
stonily
vsreservedly
1 8.0

In a cold, unfriendly way that shows no feeling

is about polite restrained formality rather than cold unfeeling harshness
reticently
vsreservedly
8.0

In a quiet way, not wanting to speak or give information

is about formal restraint in showing feelings and opinions
taciturnly
vsreservedly
9.1

To act in a quiet, reserved way and say very little

is about formal restraint from showing feelings or giving opinions
staidly
vsreservedly
7.3

In a serious, calm way without showing excitement

is more about restrained formality and unwillingness to show opinions or feelings
composedly
vsreservedly
6.7

Calmly and with control of your feelings

is more about formal restraint and unwillingness to show feelings or opinions
phlegmatically
vsreservedly
9.6

Calmly and without showing much feeling

is about formal restraint and unwillingness to show opinions rather than indifferent temperament

Antonyms

1 3.7

In a way that shows feelings and thoughts clearly

How Reserved

reservedly
7.4

Surface Forms

reservedly positive

Morphology

reservedly = reserved (transparent) = reserve + ed + ly

Adding '-ly' to the adjective 'reserved' produces an adverb meaning 'in a reserved manner', a straightforward adverbial formation.

Etymology

Reservedly comes from reserve, a word that originally meant 'to keep back' or 'hold back'. So, to speak or act reservedly is to keep your feelings and opinions back and not show them openly.