verb C1 Advanced Uncommon

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

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

A thick jam-like preserve made from whole or chunked fruit.

"She spread cherry conserve on her toast."

How to use conserve

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo protect or save something so it doesn't run out or get ruined.

Common pairings

conserve energy conserve water conserve resources

Word forms

conserved past tense, conserves plural, conserves singular

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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").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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husband maintain preserve preserves keep up conserves economize economise

Related words

end keep wife economic hold save continue husband

Rhymes for conserve

nerve serve swerve deserve observe reserve preserve

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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.

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end keep wife economic hold save continue husband