reserve
UK[rɪˈzɜːv]US[rɪˈzɜːrv]
v
to arrange for something like a seat, table, or room to be kept for your use at a later time
v
to keep or hold something for a particular purpose or person
n
a supply of something kept available for future use
n
an area of land set aside for a specific purpose, such as the protection of wildlife
Morpheme Breakdown
re
serve
re
again/back
serve
keep
Etymology
The word "reserve" entered English in the 14th century from Old French reserver, which itself descended from Latin reservare, meaning "to keep back, save up, or retain". This Latin verb is a compound of the prefix re- ("back") and servare ("to keep, guard, observe"). The core logic of holding something back for future use is present from the beginning. Over time, the meaning expanded from the literal act of keeping something back to more abstract concepts like booking services, designating land for protection, and maintaining a formal or restrained manner, all connected to the idea of withholding or setting aside.
Analysis
Structure: re (again/back) + serve (keep)
re: A Latin prefix meaning "again" or "back".
serve: From Latin servire, meaning "to keep, to guard, to serve".
Examples
I'd like to reserve a table for two at 7 p.m.
These seats are reserved for members of the press.
The country has large reserves of natural gas.