Reserved

Reserved is an adjective with meanings tied to keeping something back for a particular time, person, or purpose. It derives from the verb reserve, which in turn comes from Latin reservare, meaning to keep back or retain.

In everyday use, a thing is reserved when it is set aside or restricted. Reserved seating, reserved inventory, and reserved funds are kept for specific individuals or uses. A reserved temperament describes a person who is shy or discreet, inclined to think before speaking or sharing details.

In computing, reserved words (or keywords) are terms that have special meaning in a programming language and cannot be used as identifiers. The set of reserved words varies by language; examples commonly include if, while, return, and for. Reserved words help the compiler or interpreter parse code and enforce syntax rules.

In law and governance, the term reserved powers or reserved rights describes authorities retained by a higher level of government or by a constitution, rather than delegated to others. The concept highlights limits on centralization and the protection of autonomy within federations or constitutional frameworks.

Overall, reserved describes something allocated for a specific purpose or defined by convention, rather than open or general-use. The term appears across everyday language, technology, and political contexts, reflecting notions of selectivity, discipline, and defined status.