restrained

[ ri-streynd ]

adjective

1. characterized by restraint:

   The actor gave a restrained performance.

Other Words From

• re·strained·ly adverb
• nonre·strained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of restrained¹

First recorded in 1570–80; restrain + -ed ²

Example Sentences

It was sombre and restrained, yet powerfully emotional.

From BBC

A man found to have been repeatedly restrained and once detained for nearly five hours at his former school will receive £18,900 in damages.

From BBC

A judge found he was restrained face down by staff three times and that others placed a towel around the door of his room to stop him leaving it 14 times.

From BBC

Catherine Foster, representing the school, said the man was "restrained legitimately" 117 times at the school on other occasions.

From BBC

The judge said she was satisfied he was left "distressed and humiliated by the experience of being restrained face down".

From BBC

Related Words

• discreet
• laid-back
• mild
• muted
• reasonable
• reticent
• subdued
• tasteful
• unobtrusive