restrained

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "restrained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is deliberately holding back their emotions, words, or actions, such as: He was so angry that he had to restrain himself from shouting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The idea that landlords should be restrained from shoving rents through the roof regardless of their tenants' ability to pay them invariably gets Tories screaming about red dictatorships and the end of the world.

The Guardian

Jeblawi, bruised and dehydrated, has to be restrained from excitedly hugging every European she sees.

The Guardian

That's possible - those types of viewers typically claim to dislike excess confrontation in politics, and what made Romney effective was that his aggression was restrained and respectful - but ultimately, Americans, their claims to the contrary notwithstanding, respond viscerally to alpha dominance in their political leaders.

The Guardian

Rosewater is a torturer, but insists he is restrained by "Islamic kindness", and is generous with his tea and biscuits.

The Guardian

Chocolate-inspired cocktails are all attractively restrained and grown up, with kids enlivened by the fondue dishes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If he was more restrained about others in the middle volumes, about himself he remained completely unsparing throughout.

The Guardian - Books

Xiaomi is "restrained from manufacturing, assembling, importing, selling or advertising" its smartphones in India according to court documents released to the Economic Times.

The Guardian - Tech

I can never forget the long-haired boy who was called into the headmaster's study and physically restrained while another teacher attempted to cut off his hair.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bad policing by a few "stigmatizes all of us", he says, yet the 35,000 cops of the NYPD are the "most restrained in the country".

The Guardian

Officers restrained Church for the better part of a day, denying him access to an attorney, before sending him to a nearby police station to be booked and charged.

The Guardian

Holland is the first single to emerge from the sessions, a skeletal, dry-as-a-bone musical backing swollen by a voice loaded with soul but beautifully restrained.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a nuanced tone, use "restrained" to suggest a deliberate holding back of emotion or expression, rather than a complete absence of it. For example, a "restrained smile" implies underlying emotion.

Common error

While "restrained" is appropriate in many situations, substituting it with words like "measured" or "temperate" may create a more natural tone in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "restrained" primarily functions to modify nouns, indicating a quality of being kept under control or limited. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability, it aligns with standard grammatical conventions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "restrained" is a versatile adjective used to describe something or someone characterized by control, limitation, or moderation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use aligns with standard English grammar. With a "Very common" usage frequency, it appears regularly across diverse contexts, especially within "News & Media", as well as in formal and scientific writing. When employing "restrained", consider related terms such as "controlled" or "subdued" for subtle shifts in meaning. Remember that while "restrained" generally conveys a positive attribute of control, overuse, particularly in casual settings, can be replaced with more natural alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

controlled

Implies a deliberate and conscious effort to manage one's actions or emotions.

self-controlled

Underscores personal discipline and the ability to manage oneself.

subdued

Suggests a reduced intensity or activity, often in response to external factors.

reserved

Indicates a tendency to keep one's thoughts and feelings private.

under control

Describes a situation or person that is being managed effectively.

curbed

Emphasizes the act of limiting or checking something, like an impulse.

measured

Indicates careful and deliberate action or expression.

temperate

Highlights moderation and avoidance of extremes.

inhibited

Suggests a sense of being held back or unable to express oneself freely.

suppressed

Implies actively preventing something from being expressed or known.

FAQs

How can I use "restrained" in a sentence?

You can use "restrained" to describe behavior or actions that are kept under control, such as "He gave a "restrained response" to the provocation" or "The artist used a "restrained palette" in the painting".

What are some synonyms for "restrained"?

Some synonyms for "restrained" include "controlled", "reserved", "subdued", and "inhibited". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "restrained" and "repressed"?

"Restrained" suggests a conscious effort to control emotions or actions, while "repressed" implies an unconscious or involuntary suppression. For example, a "restrained outburst" is a controlled expression, while "repressed anger" is suppressed without conscious awareness.

Is it always positive to be "restrained"?

While being "restrained" often implies maturity and control, it can also suggest a lack of spontaneity or emotional expression. Context is key: a "restrained celebration" might be appropriate in a solemn setting, but less so at a joyful party.