Reserves Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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reserves
[rɪˈzɜːrvz ]
Definitions
in banking
Funds that are not immediately required by a financial institution and are set aside for specific purposes such as covering potential losses or meeting regulatory requirements.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reserves |
Can also refer to a backup or secondary resource, often as an emergency or additional resource in various contexts.
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| funds |
Typically referring to money saved or provided for a specific purpose, such as an investment, project, or organization.
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| savings |
Refers to money that is set aside, typically in a bank, for future use or emergencies. It often involves personal finance.
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| stockpile |
Refers to a large accumulated stock of goods, materials, or resources, often for future use or emergencies. This term can have a slightly negative connotation if implying hoarding.
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Examples of usage
- The bank holds large reserves to ensure they can cover unexpected withdrawals.
- The reserves can also be used to provide liquidity during times of financial stress.
in natural resources
A supply of a commodity not needed for immediate use but available if required.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reserves |
Used in a formal or official context to indicate a designated quantity of resources set aside for future use, often by organizations, governments, or businesses.
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| stockpile |
Suggests a large accumulation of goods, usually for precautionary reasons, often in preparation for potential shortages or emergencies.
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| hoard |
Implies an excessive, often secretive accumulation of items, usually with a negative connotation. It suggests keeping more than necessary, often due to fear or greed.
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| stash |
Informal term indicating a hidden collection of items, often used in everyday conversations. It may imply secrecy but not necessarily in a negative sense.
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Examples of usage
- The country has significant oil reserves that can be tapped into if necessary.
- The reserves of natural gas are expected to last for several decades.
in sports
To retain or keep for future use or enjoyment.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reserves |
Typically used to refer to a specific stock or supply of resources or materials set aside for future use. Often used in formal or professional contexts.
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| keep |
Commonly used in everyday language to indicate retaining possession or control of something.
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| save |
Often used to describe the act of putting something away for future use, especially money or time. Can be used in both casual and formal settings.
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| set aside |
Usually suggests designating something for a specific purpose or future use. Can be used in planning or preparation contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The coach decided to reserve his star player for the final match of the season.
- She reserved her energy for the last lap of the race.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Economics
- In finance, reserves can refer to cash or other assets held by banks and financial institutions to meet regulatory requirements or for emergencies.
- Countries maintain foreign exchange reserves to stabilize their currency against unidentified economic pressures or crises.
Nature
- Reserves in ecological terms often mean a protected area designated for wildlife conservation, preventing species extinction.
- Marine reserves are designated areas in oceans where fishing and other damaging activities are restricted to preserve marine life.
Culture
- In military terminology, 'reserves' refer to troops not currently engaged in combat but available to be deployed when needed.
- In art, 'reserves' can refer to elements intentionally left blank or untouched to draw attention to the surrounding features.
Psychology
- Psychologically, having emotional reserves can refer to inner strength or coping strategies individuals keep for difficult times.
- People may also have reserves of willpower, which can help in self-control and resisting temptation in challenging situations.
Origin of 'reserves'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'reservare', which means to keep back or hold.
- It has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, originally referring to the act of keeping something for future use.
The word 'reserves' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'reserver' and the Latin word 'reservare', meaning 'to keep back'. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various meanings related to keeping something for future use or protection, whether it be in the financial, natural resource, or sports context.
See also: reservation, reservations, reserve, reserved, reservedly, reservist, unreserved.