zurückhaltend
Translation
reserved, reluctant, cautious, discreet
Examples
Er ist eine sehr zurückhaltende Person.
He is a very reserved person.
Sie äußerte sich zurückhaltend zu dem Plan.
She commented cautiously on the plan.
Grammar Patterns
as an adjective before a noun He is a reserved person.
as an adverb She commented cautiously.
Similar Words
Synonyms: schüchtern, vorsichtig, bescheiden; Antonyms: offen, extrovertiert
Etymology
From the verb 'zurückhalten' (to hold back), which is 'zurück' (back) + 'halten' (to hold). So, literally 'holding back'.
Memory Tips
Picture someone physically 'holding' (halten) themselves 'back' (zurück) from speaking or acting.