restrained

/ris'treind/

Thân thiện

He wore a restrained suit to the business meeting.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characterized by self-control or moderation: Describes a person, behavior, or expression that is kept under control, not excessive or emotional.
   • Not showy or flamboyant: Describes something, such as style, design, or color, that is subtle, tasteful, and not intended to attract excessive attention.
   • Limited or held back: Describes something that is kept within certain limits or under restriction.

Examples of Usage

• Describing behavior or emotion:

  • Despite the provocation, his response was calm and restrained.
  • She gave a restrained smile, not wanting to show too much enthusiasm.

• Describing style or appearance:

  • The room was decorated in restrained elegance, with neutral colors and simple lines.
  • He prefers a restrained style of dressing, avoiding bright patterns.

• Describing a limited or controlled state:

  • Growth in the sector has been restrained by new regulations.
  • The dog was restrained by a short leash.

Advanced Usage

• "To be restrained in one's praise": To offer praise cautiously or moderately, without exaggeration.

  • The critic was restrained in his praise for the film, noting several flaws.

• "A restrained interpretation": A performance or analysis that is controlled and avoids excessive emotion or embellishment.

  • The pianist gave a powerful yet restrained interpretation of the sonata.

Variants and Related Words

• Restrain (verb): To hold back, control, or limit.

  • He had to restrain his anger.

• Restraint (noun): The act of restraining or the state of being restrained; self-control.

  • She showed great restraint in a difficult situation.

• Unrestrained (adjective): Not restrained; uncontrolled, excessive.

  • The children's laughter was unrestrained and joyful.

Synonyms

• Controlled: Managed or kept in check.
• Subdued: Quiet, low-key, or toned down.
• Moderate: Average in amount, intensity, or quality; not extreme.
• Reserved: Slow to reveal emotions or opinions.

Related Phrases

• Hold/keep in check: To control or restrain something.
  • The government is trying to keep inflation in check.

Related Idioms

• With restraint: Acting with self-control.
  • He managed the crisis with great restraint.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. prudent
   • guarded optimism
2. not showy or obtrusive
   • clothes in quiet good taste
3. marked by avoidance of extravagance or extremes
   • moderate in his demands
   • restrained in his response
4. under restraint
5. cool and formal in manner

Từ đồng nghĩa

• guarded
• quiet
• moderate
• reticent
• unemotional