conserve
KON-surv
Conserve (verb) means to use something carefully so it lasts, or to prevent it from being wasted or damaged. Example: “We turned off the lights to conserve electricity.”
verb
1
To use something carefully so it lasts, or to prevent it from being wasted or damaged.
"We turned off the lights to conserve electricity."
"The reserve was created to conserve the last of the wetland habitat."
noun
1
A thick jam-like preserve made from whole or chunked fruit.
"She spread cherry conserve on her toast."
How to use conserve
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo protect or save something so it doesn't run out or get ruined.
Common pairings
conserve energy
conserve water
conserve resources
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Word forms
- Plural
- conserves
- Third person singular
- conserves
- Past tense
- conserved
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We turned off the lights to _____ electricity.
Etymology
From Old French conserver, from Latin conservare, "to keep, preserve" — com- (intensive) plus servare ("to keep watch over").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for conserve
See all rhymes for conserve →Frequently asked questions
What does “conserve” mean?
The word “conserve” means to use something carefully so it lasts, or to prevent it from being wasted or damaged. In plain terms, to protect or save something so it doesn't run out or get ruined.
How do you pronounce “conserve”?
“Conserve” is pronounced KON-surv (/ˈkɒnsɜː(ɹ)v/ in IPA).
How do you use “conserve” in a sentence?
Here is “conserve” used in a sentence: “We turned off the lights to conserve electricity.”
What part of speech is “conserve”?
Depending on how it is used, “conserve” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “conserve” come from?
The word “conserve” comes from Latin. From Old French conserver, from Latin conservare, "to keep, preserve" — com- (intensive) plus servare ("to keep watch over").
Is “conserve” a common word?
“Conserve” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “conserve” have?
“Conserve” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to use something carefully so it lasts, or to prevent it from being wasted or damaged.
