absolute reserve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolute reserve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an attitude or demeanor that is especially composed and unemotional. For example, "The mayor answered the reporter's questions with absolute reserve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Even Zhukova's baffling blankness — her absolute reserve and her apparent fear of saying anything remotely opinionated — usually works in her favor.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Auctioneers often prod sellers to use absolute (no reserve) auctions, where bids start at $1. This, they say, whips up crowds and money.

Forbes

The Fatatos chose perhaps the riskiest method: an absolute auction, without reserve and without a minimum bid, where the final price is the final price, even if it is $1.

The New York Times

Other eligibility criteria included the presence of at least one measurable lesion; age ⩾18 to ⩽75 years; Karnofsky performance status (KPS) ⩾70, life expectancy ⩾12 weeks; adequate bone marrow reserve (absolute neutrophil count ⩾2.0 × 10 l−1, platelet count ⩾100 × 10 l−10.

British Journal of Cancer

Patients were required to have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1, adequate renal and hepatic function and adequate bone marrow reserve (absolute neutrophil count ≥1,500 cells/μL, platelets ≥100,000 cells/μL).

BMC Cancer

Patients were also required to have adequate renal (serum creatinine <1.5 ULRR), liver (serum bilirubin <1.25 and AST/ALT <2.5 ULRR) and haematological reserve (absolute neutrophil count >1 × 10 l–1 and platelets >100 × 10 l–1), and have no evidence of severe or uncontrolled systemic disease.

British Journal of Cancer

The patients had a WHO performance score of less than two and adequate hepatic and renal function (bilirubin, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase <2.5 × upper limit of normal) and bone marrow reserve (absolute neutrophil count >2.0 × 10; platelets >100 × 10; haemoglobin >10.0 g l−1).

British Journal of Cancer

While Hobbes insists that we should regard our governments as having absolute authority, he reserves to subjects the liberty of disobeying some of their government's commands.

SEP

The Supreme Court, he said, had reserved absolute immunity for "very narrow circumstances," including matters of national security or foreign affairs.

Los Angeles Times

These peptides are costly, however, so absolute quantification is reserved for the most promising biomarker candidates.

Genome Medicine

Patients were required to have adequate baseline haematological reserves (absolute neutrophil count ⩾1.5 × 10 l−1, platelet count ⩾100 × 10 l−1, haemoglobin ⩾9.0 g dl−1).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolute reserve" to describe a deliberate emotional detachment in situations requiring impartiality or professionalism.

Common error

Avoid using "absolute reserve" in casual conversations or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolute reserve" functions as a descriptive term, often used to characterize a person's demeanor or behavior. It is an intensifier (absolute) modifying a noun (reserve), conveying a sense of complete emotional control or detachment, as suggested by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absolute reserve" denotes a state of complete emotional control or detachment. While grammatically correct and understandable, Ludwig suggests the phrase is relatively rare, with usage leaning towards neutral to formal contexts like news reporting or professional descriptions. Its primary function is descriptive, emphasizing the degree of emotional restraint. When employing this phrase, aim for situations where neutrality and impartiality are valued, and remember that, while correct, it might sound overly formal in informal settings. Alternatives such as "total composure" or "utter restraint" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total composure

Focuses on maintaining a calm demeanor, emphasizing emotional control.

complete detachment

Highlights the lack of emotional involvement or personal connection.

utter restraint

Emphasizes the suppression of emotions or impulses.

unwavering self-control

Stresses the ability to manage one's behavior and emotions.

perfect equanimity

Highlights a state of mental calmness and composure, especially in a difficult situation.

imperturbable calmness

Focuses on a calmness that cannot be easily disturbed.

impassive demeanor

Refers to a facial expression that reveals no emotion.

studied neutrality

Emphasizes a deliberate effort to appear unbiased or impartial.

stone-faced stillness

Highlights a lack of visible emotion, comparing the face to stone.

austere self-possession

Suggests a dignified and controlled presence, often in formal settings.

FAQs

How can I use "absolute reserve" in a sentence?

You might say, "The diplomat maintained "absolute reserve" during the tense negotiations."

What does "absolute reserve" mean?

It describes a state of complete emotional control and detachment, often displayed in professional or high-pressure situations. It can imply a refusal to reveal any personal feelings.

When is it appropriate to use the term "absolute reserve"?

It's appropriate when describing someone's behavior in formal settings, negotiations, or situations where emotional neutrality is important. For example, describing a judge's demeanor in court or a negotiator's approach.

Which words are similar to "absolute reserve"?

Alternatives include "total composure", "complete detachment", or "utter restraint" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.