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reserviert

reserved, aloof

adjective re-zer-FEERT Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Quality

Origin: from French 'réservé'

Also means

distant, standoffish

Usage Note

Reserviert describes someone who is emotionally distant or keeps others at arm's length, particularly in initial contact. It is neutral rather than hostile; a reservierte Art is merely cool and formal rather than actively unfriendly.

Examples

"Die neue Kollegin wirkte zunächst reserviert, öffnete sich aber bald."

Natural Translation

The new colleague seemed reserved at first but soon opened up.

Literal Translation

The new colleague appeared initially reserved, opened herself but soon.

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