The difference between Backup and Reserve

When used as nouns, backup means a reserve or substitute, whereas reserve means the act of reserving or keeping back.

Backup is also adjective with the meaning: standby, reserve or extra.

Reserve is also verb with the meaning: to keep back.

check bellow for the other definitions of Backup and Reserve

  1. Backup as a noun:

    A reserve or substitute.

    Examples:

    "If the goalkeeper is injured, we have a backup."

  2. Backup as a noun (computing):

    A copy of a file or record, stored separately from the original, that can be used to recover the original if it is destroyed or damaged.

    Examples:

    "After the power failure, we had to restore the database from backup."

  3. Backup as a noun:

    An accumulation of material caused by a (partial) obstruction or (complete) blockage of the flow or movement of the material, or an accumulation of material that causes an overflow due to the flow being greater than the maximum possible flow.

    Examples:

    "The accident caused a mile-long backup on the highway."

    "The blockage caused a backup in the plumbing."

  4. Backup as a noun (law enforcement):

    reinforcements

    Examples:

    "He's got a gun! You'd better send for backup."

  1. Backup as an adjective:

    Standby, reserve or extra.

    Examples:

    "I am only a backup player."

  2. Backup as an adjective (computing):

    That is intended as a backup.

    Examples:

    "Make a backup copy of that file."

  1. Backup as a verb:

  1. Reserve as a noun (behaviour):

    Restriction. The act of reserving or keeping back; reservation; exception. Restraint of freedom in words or actions; backwardness; caution in personal behavior.

    Examples:

    "The book is on reserve."

    "I accept your view with one reserve."

  2. Reserve as a noun (Canada):

    That which is reserved or kept back, as for future use. A natural resource known to exist but not currently exploited. A tract of land reserved, or set apart, for a particular purpose A tract of land set apart for the use of an Aboriginal group; Indian reserve (compare US .) A body of troops kept in the rear of an army drawn up for battle, reserved to support the other lines as occasion may require; a force or body of troops kept for an exigency. Funds kept on hand to meet planned or unplanned financial requirements. A reserve price in an auction. Wine held back and aged before being sold.

    Examples:

    "New oil reserves are continuously being discovered, but not as fast as the existing ones are running out."

    "the Connecticut Reserve in Ohio was originally set apart for the school fund of Connecticut."

    "the Clergy Reserves in Canada are for the support of the clergy."

  3. Reserve as a noun (social):

    Something initially kept back for later use in a recreation. A member of a team who does not participate from the start of the game, but can be used to replace tired or injured team-mates. A group or pile of cards dealt out at the beginning of a patience or solitaire game to be used during play.

  4. Reserve as a noun:

    In exhibitions, a distinction indicating that the recipient will get a prize in the event of another person being disqualified.

  5. Reserve as a noun (calico printing):

    A resist.

  6. Reserve as a noun:

    A preparation used on an object being electroplated to fix the limits of the deposit.

  1. Reserve as a verb:

    To keep back; to retain.

    Examples:

    "We reserve the right to make modifications."

  2. Reserve as a verb:

    To keep in store for future or special use.

    Examples:

    "This cake is reserved for the guests!"

  3. Reserve as a verb:

    To book in advance; to make a reservation.

    Examples:

    "I reserved a table for us at the best restaurant in town."

  4. Reserve as a verb (obsolete):

    To make an exception of; to except.

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