noun B1 Intermediate Common

conservation

kahn-suh-VAY-shuhn

Conservation (noun) means the protection and careful management of nature, wildlife, or natural resources. Example: “The charity funds conservation projects across the rainforest.”

noun

The protection and careful management of nature, wildlife, or natural resources.

"The charity funds conservation projects across the rainforest."

"Water conservation is essential during a drought."

The careful preservation and repair of artworks, buildings, or historical artefacts.

"The museum's conservation team restored the damaged painting."

In physics, the principle that a measurable quantity stays constant within an isolated system.

"The conservation of energy is one of the most fundamental laws in physics."

How to use conservation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishProtecting and looking after something so it isn't lost, damaged, or used up.

Common pairings

wildlife conservation energy conservation conservation area conservation of mass

Word forms

conservations plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The charity funds _____ projects across the rainforest.

Etymology

From Old French, built on conserve plus -ation.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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preservation protection upkeep safeguarding maintenance stewardship

Related words

change security safety defense insurance protection leadership lee

Rhymes for conservation

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension oxidation

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Frequently asked questions

What does “conservation” mean?

The word “conservation” means the protection and careful management of nature, wildlife, or natural resources. In plain terms, protecting and looking after something so it isn't lost, damaged, or used up.

How do you pronounce “conservation”?

“Conservation” is pronounced kahn-suh-VAY-shuhn (/ˌkɑnsə(ɹ)ˈveɪʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “conservation” in a sentence?

Here is “conservation” used in a sentence: “The charity funds conservation projects across the rainforest.”

What part of speech is “conservation”?

“Conservation” is a noun.

Where does the word “conservation” come from?

The word “conservation” comes from Old French. From Old French, built on conserve plus -ation.

Is “conservation” a common word?

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

How many meanings does “conservation” have?

“Conservation” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the protection and careful management of nature, wildlife, or natural resources.

What is the difference between "conservation" and "preservation"?

Conservation is the protection and careful management of nature or resources, often allowing sustainable use. Preservation usually means keeping something completely unchanged and protected from any use or interference.

What is the difference between "conservation" and "conservatism"?

Conservation refers to protecting nature, wildlife, or cultural artefacts, or to using resources carefully. Conservatism is a political and social outlook favouring tradition and gradual change; the two words are unrelated despite their similar spelling.

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