Guardednesses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The state of being cautious or reserved in expressing feelings or thoughts
2. the quality of being protective or defensive in behavior
3. a general attitude of keeping oneself safe from potential harm or vulnerability without openness

Etymology: "Guardednesses" is the plural of "guardedness", a noun meaning cautious emotional reserve. The base word "guarded" is the past participle of the verb "guard", which entered English from Old French "garder", and the adjective sense of being protected or kept under watch developed from it. The suffix "-ness" is an old Germanic formation, descended from Old English "-nes" and ultimately from a Proto-Germanic element that turned adjectives into nouns of state or quality. Adding "-ness" to "guarded" produces a noun for the quality of holding oneself protectively in check, so that someone showing little of their feelings can be said to display "guardedness." The plural form, "guardednesses," is used when the word refers to several distinct instances or kinds of such reserve, which is an uncommon use since the singular usually covers the idea.

Synonyms: cautiousness, wariness, reserve, prudence, circumspection

Antonyms: openness, candor, frankness, trustfulness