reserve

To arrange for a seat, room, or table to be kept for you at a particular time.

• Can we reserve a table?
• She reserved two rooms for the weekend.
• Have you reserved your seats for tomorrow’s concert?

How to use it: reserve something for someone (I reserved a seat for my sister.)

Similar words: book

Common phrases: reserve a table, reserve a room, reserve a seat

To use something only for a particular person, purpose, or situation.

• We reserve this room for guests.
• He reserved that gentle voice for his youngest child.
• The prize is reserved for students with outstanding results.

How to use it: reserve something for someone/something (She reserves her strongest criticism for dishonest politicians.)

Similar words: set aside, earmark

Common phrases: reserve for someone, reserve for something, reserve special treatment

To put some food or cooking liquid aside so you can use it later.

• Reserve a little sauce.
• She reserved half the mixture for the topping.
• Drain the beans, reserving the liquid for later.

How to use it: reserve something for something (Reserve some cooking liquid for the sauce.)

Similar words: set aside, save

Common phrases: reserve cooking water, reserve the juice, reserve some sauce

To state that you keep the legal power to do something if you choose.

• The company reserves all rights.
• We reserve the right to cancel any booking.
• The publisher reserved the right to approve future editions.

How to use it: reserve the right to do something (We reserve the right to refuse entry.)

Similar words: retain

Opposites: waive

Common phrases: reserve the right, reserve all rights

To keep something so it is available for a future need or special purpose.

• Reserve some money for emergencies.
• They reserved their best wine for the wedding.
• We have reserved enough supplies for the winter.

How to use it: reserve something for something (We reserved some funds for future repairs.)

Similar words: save, set aside, put by

Common phrases: reserve some money, reserve for later, reserve emergency supplies

To keep something back instead of giving it away, using it, or expressing it immediately.

• I prefer to reserve judgment.
• They reserved a portion of the income.
• She reserved her opinion until everyone had spoken.

How to use it: reserve judgment on something (I’ll reserve judgment on the plan until I see the costs.)

Similar words: retain, hold back, withhold

Common phrases: reserve judgment, reserve an opinion, reserve a portion

An extra amount of something kept until it is needed.

• We have enough food in reserve.
• The hospital used its emergency reserves.
• Keep a small reserve of cash for unexpected costs.

How to use it: a reserve of something (We keep a reserve of drinking water.)

Similar words: extra supply, stock, store

Common phrases: in reserve, cash reserve, reserve supplies

An area where wild animals, plants, or the natural environment are protected.

• We visited a nature reserve.
• Rare birds live in this coastal reserve.
• Fishing is forbidden in several marine reserves.

Similar words: sanctuary, protected area

Common phrases: nature reserve, wildlife reserve, marine reserve