comedido/a
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “comedido/a” mean in English?
restrained, measured
restrained, measured (controlled and moderate in expression; una respuesta comedida — formal register)
Example sentences
La directora respondió de manera comedida a las críticas, sin perder en ningún momento la compostura.
The director responded to the criticism in a measured way, without losing her composure for a single moment.
Su intervención fue comedida pero contundente, y logró convencer a los asistentes sin necesidad de elevar el tono.
His contribution was measured but forceful, and he managed to convince those present without needing to raise his voice.
Se espera que los representantes mantengan un discurso comedido durante todo el proceso de negociación.
Representatives are expected to maintain measured discourse throughout the negotiation process.
How to use it
Comedido/a means 'restrained', 'measured', or 'moderate in expression' — describing a tone, response, or manner that is controlled and does not go to extremes. It is formal register vocabulary, characteristic of formal appraisals, diplomatic reporting, and media commentary. Una respuesta comedida, un tono comedido, ser comedido en sus comentarios. Antonyms: exaltado/a (heated, worked up), exagerado/a (exaggerated). Register: this adjective rarely appears in informal speech — it is a marked formal-register word that signals awareness of professional communication norms.
Common mistake
Comedido does not mean 'polite' (educado) or 'nice' (amable) — it specifically means controlled and restrained in expression, not excessive. An important nuance: comedido implies active choice to moderate tone; it is a marker of professionalism and emotional intelligence. In informal speech, moderado or tranquilo would typically be used instead. Using comedido in casual speech signals high formal register awareness.