reserved face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reserved face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that is calm, controlled, or not easily revealing emotions, often in a formal or serious context. Example: "Despite the chaos around her, she maintained a reserved face, showing no signs of distress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's an especially striking manner in Bolivia, where virtually everyone presents a placid, reserved face to the world.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was a film-maker who, in David Thomson's deft words, "photographs reserved faces to evoke all the wildest emotions of the spirit".

The Guardian - Books

Happy faces, sad faces, cute faces, confident faces, emotional faces, reserved faces: each emoji-like mask represents a part of Estabrook's personality that she has performed for the benefit of someone other than herself. .

Vice

Happy faces, sad faces, cute faces, confident faces, emotional faces, reserved faces: each emoji-like mask represents a part of Estabrook's personality that she has performed for the benefit of someone other than herself.

Vice

In suburban Chicago, CDW Computer Centers uses the extranet to help its telephone sales force project that "personal touch" once reserved for face-to-face encounters.

The New York Times

Lucy herself has presented a more reserved public face, telling journalists she does not enjoy interviews and describing herself as the more reserved half of the couple.

The Guardian

The two government agencies that control the reserves face heavy restrictions on their use, Chinese government officials and economists said.

The New York Times

Not only do a quarter of reserves face similar difficulties to Attawapiskat, but as far back as 1995 auditor general Sheila Fraser detailed an expansive list of problems associated with how the Aboriginal Affairs department managed money.

Vice

All of us who work in ICUs have had demoralizing weeks during which death seems to be everywhere – weeks with seemingly unending meetings to discuss faint and fading hopes with families and loved ones during which we draw on our own reserves, face our uncertainties and share our own humanity in attempts to support and comfort them.

Critical Care

Usually, I am trying to decipher them with a puzzled look on my face reserved solely for that and times when my grandmother tells stories involving a friend of her hairdresser's cousin.

Huffington Post

Somehow, it used to be fully acceptable to stagger around nightclubs raising your eyebrows in a Justin-Timberlake-in- Senorita" kind of way, but silently tailing naked models, while wearing black aviators, a full suit and that sort of astonished/aroused face reserved solely for perverts makes you look like a sexually aggressive creep.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reserved face" to describe someone who intentionally withholds emotional expression or maintains a calm and composed demeanor, particularly in professional or formal settings. This suggests intentional control over one's expressions.

Common error

Avoid assuming that someone with a "reserved face" is necessarily unfriendly or unapproachable. The expression may simply reflect cultural norms, professional expectations, or a deliberate attempt to maintain composure under pressure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reserved face" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "reserved" modifies the noun "face". It typically acts as an adjective-noun combination describing a person's facial expression or demeanor. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reserved face" is a grammatically sound way to describe someone who maintains a calm and controlled facial expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not very common, its usage is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and science. It conveys a sense of emotional restraint and composure. Alternatives such as "impassive expression" or "stoic demeanor" can be used for similar effects. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential misinterpretations, such as equating it with unfriendliness, and consider cultural and contextual nuances to ensure accurate and sensitive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impassive expression

Emphasizes the lack of emotion displayed, suggesting a blank or neutral countenance.

stoic demeanor

Highlights the endurance and suppression of emotions, particularly in the face of adversity.

composed countenance

Focuses on the controlled and calm nature of the facial expression, suggesting self-possession.

controlled expression

Highlights the deliberate effort to manage and restrain one's facial movements and emotions.

unreadable face

Indicates that the facial expression is difficult to interpret or decipher, concealing inner feelings.

guarded expression

Suggests a protective or defensive posture, where emotions are concealed to avoid vulnerability.

deadpan look

Describes a deliberately expressionless face, often used for comedic effect or to mask true feelings.

neutral facade

Implies a deliberate construction of a bland or unremarkable facial expression to avoid drawing attention.

inscrutable gaze

Focuses on the eyes and their inability to reveal thoughts or emotions.

wooden face

Implies a lack of animation or natural expression, suggesting stiffness or artificiality.

FAQs

How can I describe a "reserved face" in different words?

You can use alternatives like "impassive expression", "stoic demeanor", or "composed countenance" to convey similar meanings.

What does it mean when someone has a "reserved face"?

A "reserved face" typically indicates that someone is not outwardly displaying their emotions. This could be due to cultural norms, personal habits, or a conscious effort to maintain composure.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as having a "reserved face" in professional writing?

Yes, describing someone as having a "reserved face" is appropriate in professional writing when you want to convey that they maintain a calm, controlled, and unemotional demeanor. However, consider the context and ensure it doesn't come across as judgmental.

What's the difference between a "reserved face" and an "unexpressive face"?

While both suggest a lack of overt emotion, a "reserved face" often implies a deliberate effort to control expressions, whereas an "unexpressive face" might simply indicate a natural lack of emotional display.