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zurückhaltend — meaning in English

German → English · translate English → German instead

English meaning

  • aloof adj Distant or reserved in manner, keeping oneself apart emotionally or socially.
  • auxiliary adjective Providing extra help or support to something else, rather than being the main part.
  • cagey adj Careful and guarded about what you say or reveal; reluctant to share information.
  • closemouthed adj reticent, secretive or uncommunicative
  • coy adjective Shy or modest, especially in a deliberately playful or teasing way.
  • defensive adjective Intended to protect against attack or criticism.
  • demure adjective Quiet, modest, and reserved in manner.
  • low-key adverb Slightly, quietly or secretly; used before an admission the speaker is only half owning up to.
  • reticent adj Unwilling to share thoughts, feelings, or information freely.
  • temperate adj Mild, not extreme in temperature or climate.
  • tentative adjective Not yet certain or fixed; provisional, subject to change.

Senses

zurückhaltend is used for these senses in English:

  • aloof Reserved and remote; either physically or emotionally distant; standoffish.
  • auxiliary Held in reserve for exceptional circumstances.
  • cagey Wary, careful, shrewd.
  • closemouthed reticent, secretive or uncommunicative
  • coy (archaic) Quiet, reserved, modest.
  • coy Soft, gentle, hesitating.
  • defensive Performed so as to minimise risk.
  • low-key (by extension) Restrained, subtle, not trying to attract attention. [from 20th c.]

auxiliary — full definition

  1. adjective Providing extra help or support to something else, rather than being the main part.
  2. noun A verb, such as "have," "be," or "will," used together with another verb to show tense, mood, or voice.

Related German words