extreme reserve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extreme reserve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being very cautious or restrained in one's actions or expressions, often in social situations. Example: "Her extreme reserve made it difficult for her to connect with her new colleagues at the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It was the perfect fit for someone of extreme ego and extreme reserve.

The Guardian - Film

There was no reason for this except possibly his extreme reserve.

The New Yorker

A fresh proposal has just been transmitted to Count Berchtold, similar to that which M. Sazonoff two months ago submitted to France and Great Britain, and which those Powers had received with extreme reserve, declining any intervention which did not have the unanimous support of all the great Powers.

The New York Times

1937 On China, U.K. Waits for U.S. LONDON — While the British attitude toward the Chinese situation is marked with an extreme reserve and a tendency to wait for the United States to make the first move, there is the keenest anxiety over what is going forward.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Even among long-distance runners, Mr Karnazes is a phenomenon who enjoys such extreme reserves of stamina that he regularly gets up early to complete a marathon before taking his kids to school.

BBC

In his first major speech since becoming Communities Secretary, Greg Clark told the Local Government Association: "For centuries, to be exiled - to be sent away - was considered to be an extreme penalty, reserved for the most serious of offences against the community.

Independent

For a game changer, how about gasoline at $2.50/gallon, the world's extreme crude reserves left safely in the ground, and an America free of oil dependence?

Huffington Post

As I discuss in my forthcoming book, The Democratic Coup d'État (Oxford University Press 2017), a coup is like chemotherapy―an extreme measure reserved for the extreme case of a fully authoritarian government unwilling to permit competitive elections.

Huffington Post

When Feingold and McCain proposed a bill to ban soft money outright in 1996, McConnell spearheaded the opposition and launched a filibuster -- at the time a relatively extreme response reserved only for dramatic legislation.

Huffington Post

In addition, I'm one to favour the "reserve extreme judgements until personal analysis" approach as it reduces the likelihood that people become the point of criticism and not the products themselves.The iPhone+keys+pocket scenario is one to be cautious of but cracking and breakage of the screen should have been heavily considered by the I.D. Dev team pretty early on.

TechCrunch

A requirement for elevated doses of FSH to induce multifollicular development and increase the oocyte yield may indicate that a patient is at the extreme of ovarian reserve (Tarlatzis et al., 2003).

Human Reproduction Update

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's personality, use "extreme reserve" to depict someone who is not only quiet but also deeply private and cautious in their interactions.

Common error

Avoid using "extreme reserve" interchangeably with shyness. While both may involve quietness, "extreme reserve" implies a deliberate holding back, whereas shyness is often rooted in anxiety or discomfort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extreme reserve" functions primarily as a descriptive term, often modifying a noun (e.g., "his extreme reserve") to indicate a significant degree of caution, restraint, or emotional distance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extreme reserve" effectively describes a state of significant caution, restraint, or emotional distance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, although its frequency is rare. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and can be used to characterize individuals or entities. While similar to concepts like shyness, it specifically implies a deliberate holding back, making it important to differentiate the two. To enhance your writing, use "extreme reserve" to depict a character's deep privacy and careful interactions, while avoiding confusion with shyness. Alternatives like "great restraint" or "profound caution" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

great restraint

Emphasizes the act of holding back emotions or actions, changing the focus from a state to an action.

profound caution

Highlights the careful and wary nature of the reserve, stressing awareness of potential risks.

intense reticence

Replaces "reserve" with a synonym emphasizing unwillingness to speak freely.

marked inhibition

Focuses on the psychological aspect of being held back or restrained.

considerable diffidence

Shifts the emphasis to a lack of self-confidence, implying a hesitation to assert oneself.

severe guardedness

Highlights an attitude of suspicion and protection, going beyond mere restraint.

extreme taciturnity

Replaces the more general 'reserve' with a specific type of silence or unwillingness to talk.

austere self-control

Adds a sense of strictness and discipline to the act of restraining oneself.

pronounced detachment

Suggests an emotional distance or lack of involvement rather than active restraint.

uncommon secretiveness

Emphasizes keeping thoughts and feelings hidden, rather than simply holding them back.

FAQs

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

You can use "extreme reserve" to describe a person's behavior, such as: "His "extreme reserve" made it difficult to know his true feelings."

What are some alternatives to saying "extreme reserve"?

Alternatives include "great restraint", "profound caution", or "intense reticence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "extreme reserve" in formal writing?

Yes, "extreme reserve" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a high degree of restraint or caution.

What's the difference between "extreme reserve" and "social anxiety"?

"Extreme reserve" describes a behavior of holding back or being cautious, while "social anxiety" is a psychological condition characterized by fear and discomfort in social situations. The former doesn't necessarily imply the presence of anxiety.