Preserve
/prɪˈzɜːrv/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo keep something safe or in good condition; to save from destruction or decay.
/prɪˈzɜːrv/
To maintain or keep something in its original or existing state.
The government is working to preserve the national park.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to keep something awesome from getting ruined. Like, maybe your favorite drawing or a yummy food. Preserving means keeping it safe and sound! For example, you can preserve fruits by putting them in a jar with sugar.
👶 For kids: To keep something safe so it doesn't get ruined or lost.
More Examples
The library preserves rare books and manuscripts.
To preserve food, you can freeze, can, or dry it.
How It's Used
"We must preserve the rainforest to protect biodiversity."
"The museum aims to preserve historical artifacts for future generations."
"They used canning to preserve the peaches."
To treat food in a way that prevents it from decaying or spoiling.
/prɪˈzɜːrv/
To prepare and store food so that it does not decay.
The family preserved vegetables by pickling them.
💡 Simply: If you want to keep food from going bad, you need to preserve it! Like making pickles or putting jam in jars. When you preserve food, you're making sure it stays good for a long time! You might preserve fruits by adding sugar or putting them in jars.
👶 For kids: To make food last a long time.
More Examples
She learned to preserve the harvest from her garden.
Canning is a common method to preserve tomatoes.
How It's Used
"People often preserve fruits by making jams and jellies."
"Proper canning techniques help preserve food's freshness."
An area, object, or activity that is protected or maintained, especially something of historical or cultural significance.
/prɪˈzɜːrv/
An area or object that is protected.
The wildlife preserve is home to many endangered species.
💡 Simply: It's like a special place or a special thing that we make sure to keep safe. Like a nature preserve where animals and plants are protected. The preserve keeps them safe and lets them grow.
👶 For kids: A place to keep something safe, like a park for animals.
More Examples
The historical preserve protects ancient buildings.
A nature preserve ensures the safety and preservation of various species.
How It's Used
"The national park is a natural preserve where wildlife thrives."
"The museum's collection includes a preserve of ancient artifacts."
Idioms & expressions
preserve one's reputation
To maintain a good public image.
"She took great care to preserve her reputation throughout the scandal."
From Old French *preserver* or *preservir*, meaning 'to keep, maintain, or protect,' ultimately from Latin *praeservare*, from *prae-* (before) + *servare* (to save, keep).
The word 'preserve' has been used in English since the 14th century, originally referring to keeping something safe or maintaining its original state.
Memory tip
Picture a jar with food inside – you're PRESERVING it to make it last longer.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: prae- (before) + servare (to save)