preserve

The word “preserve” means to keep something safe from harm, damage, or decay. In plain terms, to protect something from damage or decay, or (as a noun) a fruit spread or a protected area.

“Preserve” is pronounced pruh-ZURV (/pɹəˈzɝv/ in IPA).

Here is “preserve” used in a sentence: “They worked hard to preserve the old building from demolition.”

Depending on how it is used, “preserve” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “preserve” comes from Latin. From Old French preserver, ultimately from Latin prae- ("before") and servare ("to keep, guard") — literally "to guard beforehand.".

“Preserve” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Preserve” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to keep something safe from harm, damage, or decay.

To preserve something is to keep it safe from harm, damage, or decay and maintain it as it is. To conserve is to use something carefully so it is not wasted or used up, so you preserve a historic building but conserve water or energy.

Preserves are made by cooking fruit with sugar and typically contain larger chunks or whole pieces of fruit. Jam is generally made from crushed or chopped fruit, giving it a smoother, more uniform texture.

To protect something is to shield it from immediate harm or danger. To preserve something is to keep it in its existing state over time, so protection guards against threats while preservation maintains condition and prevents decay.