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restrained Definition

re·strained (ri strānd)

adjective

characterized by restraint; exercising, or showing the results of, self-discipline or rational control; controlled

restrained Synonyms

restrained

modif.

controlled, constrained, disciplined, understated, moderate, temperate, reasonable, cautious, subdued, under control, in check, in leading strings, under restraint, on a leash; see also chaste 1, moderate 2, 5, reserved 3.

restrained Usage Examples

Preposition: by

  • seat: The child is then restrained by the seat 's own harness, which has the advantage of being specifically designed for a child.

Preposition: in

  • comparison: Marshall Plan aid looks restrained in comparison to African aid only because Europe was, relatively speaking, quite rich.

Modifies a noun

  • refinement: Once that is done you can run " restrained refinement " , and bad VDW clashes should be corrected fairly reliably.
  • eater: Girls who are themselves restrained eaters or skip meals are more likely to develop obesity than not.
  • elegance: The viewer feels in total harmony with the restrained elegance of the composition.
  • vocal: No Lifeson histrionics here just superb rhythm electric and acoustic guitars backed up by Geddy's synths and more restrained vocals.
  • guitar: Listen out for Jerry Donahue's restrained guitar on ' All I See ' , for example.
  • manner: Review Frank Capra has made an excellent job of a good story which is allowed to unfold itself in a restrained manner.

Modifying Another Word

  • physically: Had he not been almost physically restrained, he would have taken part in the Normandy landings.
  • remarkably: Like the burial story, the account of the discovery of the empty tomb is remarkably restrained.
  • surprisingly: Yet for whatever reason, Spasmo sees him in surprisingly restrained mood.
  • barely: Examine the film's last shot, the look of barely restrained pain on Tom's face as Leo walks away into marriage.
  • properly: The safest place for children is properly restrained on the rear seat.
  • relatively: The rhythm section, confident yet relatively restrained, prevents the whole sound careering off the track.

Used with adjective complement

  • seem: Colin Wilson's The Unexplained Psychic Powers makes the Element Encyclopedia seem positively restrained.
  • remain: We expect demand to remain restrained for the rest of the 2005 business year.
  • feel: Yet with Possession, he has lost much of his bite and feels curiously restrained by the lower certificate.
  • look: The boyfriend's beating-up makes Fight Club look restrained.
  • become: With the housing market off the boil, people do not feel so well off and have become more restrained in their spending habits.
  • sound: Overall, both soundtracks deliver music very well, but sound slightly restrained at other times.