guarded — cautious and having possible reservations
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: cautious and having possible reservations
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɡɑːrdɪd/
Example Sentences
- The teacher gave a guarded look when asked about the surprise test next week.
- He was guarded about his dating life after his friends kept teasing him.
- The celebrity's mansion was heavily guarded by security personnel.
guarded
ADJECTIVE[/ˈɡɑːrdɪd/]
cautious and having possible reservations
a professional businesswoman sits at a conference table with her arms crossed and maintains careful eye contact with others. She leans back slightly in her chair while listening to a proposal from another colleague. The colleague across from her gestures enthusiastically while presenting ideas, but she responds with measured nods and reserved expressions. Her cautious body language contrasts sharply with the eager presenter's open gestures. Other meeting participants watch the interaction, sensing the careful tension in the room. someone being cautious and having possible reservations about what they're hearing
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'garder' meaning 'to keep, protect, watch over,' which comes from Germanic 'wardo' meaning 'watchman.' The sense of being cautious or reserved developed from the careful, vigilant behavior of medieval guards protecting castles.
Breakdown
guard (to watch, protect) + -ed (past participle/adjective suffix meaning 'characterized by')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The teacher gave a guarded look when asked about the surprise test next week.”
“He was guarded about his dating life after his friends kept teasing him.”
“The celebrity's mansion was heavily guarded by security personnel.”
“She remained guarded in her optimism about the project's success.”
📚Related Words
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