riservate

Riservate is the feminine plural form of the Italian adjective riservato, used to describe people who are reserved or discreet, as well as things that are kept back or set aside for a specific purpose. It can refer to individuals who tend to share few personal details, or to spaces, times, or items that are reserved for a particular use, as in zone riservate or stanze riservate.

Etymology and meaning notes: Riservate derives from the verb riservare, which in turn comes from Latin reservare, meaning to keep back or to save. The term conveys a sense of discretion, privacy, or precaution rather than simply shyness. The masculine forms are riservato (sing.) and riservati (pl.), while the feminine singular is riservata.

Usage in sentences: As an adjective, riservate agrees with feminine plural nouns, for example, “le persone riservate” (the reserved people) or “stanze riservate” (reserved rooms). As a past participle in passive constructions, it also appears as “riservate” when the subject is feminine plural, as in “Le sale sono riservate ai soci” (the rooms are reserved for members). The related noun riservatezza denotes discretion or privacy, while riservare and riservato are used to discuss reserving something or adopting a reserved attitude.

Related terms and nuances: Riservatezza emphasizes privacy and discretion, whereas riserbo refers more to restraint or reticence in speech. The concept can apply to both people (a riservate persona) and objects or policies (are riservate to a group). In many contexts, riservate connotes a prudent or dignified reserve rather than social aloofness.