preservation
prehz-uh-VAY-shuhn
Preservation (noun) means the act of keeping something safe from harm, decay, or destruction. Example: “Careful preservation of old photographs stops them from fading over the years.”
noun
1
The act of keeping something safe from harm, decay, or destruction.
"When a language dies members of the culture of which that language was once a part may attempt to hold on to their linguistic heritage, if not by the use of the defunct language itself, at least by the preservation of its script."
— J. N. Adams, The Republic: inscriptions (2007)
"Careful preservation of old photographs stops them from fading over the years."
"Preservation of two railway routes between Belfast and Derry could no longer be justified and one of them must go."
— , Transport in Ulster (1956)
"The museum is dedicated to the preservation of ancient manuscripts."
"Wildlife preservation is central to the park's mission."
How to use preservation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishKeeping something safe and intact so it doesn't decay or disappear.
Common pairings
historic preservation
preservation society
food preservation
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Word forms
- Plural
- preservations
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Careful _____ of old photographs stops them from fading over the years.
Etymology
From Old French preservacion, ultimately from "preserve" plus "-ation."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for preservation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for preservation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “preservation” mean?
The word “preservation” means the act of keeping something safe from harm, decay, or destruction. In plain terms, keeping something safe and intact so it doesn't decay or disappear.
How do you pronounce “preservation”?
“Preservation” is pronounced prehz-uh-VAY-shuhn (/ˌpɹɛz.ɚˈveɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “preservation” in a sentence?
Here is “preservation” used in a sentence: “The museum is dedicated to the preservation of ancient manuscripts.”
What part of speech is “preservation”?
“Preservation” is a noun.
Where does the word “preservation” come from?
The word “preservation” comes from Old French. From Old French preservacion, ultimately from "preserve" plus "-ation.".
Is “preservation” a common word?
“Preservation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between preservation and conservation?
Preservation means keeping something safe from harm, decay, or destruction, ideally unchanged. Conservation usually implies careful management that can include sustainable use — conserving a forest may allow controlled activity, while preserving it means leaving it untouched. In heritage and museum work the two words sit closer together and are sometimes used interchangeably.
What is the difference between preservation and restoration?
Preservation protects something in its current state from further harm or decay; restoration actively repairs it to return it to an earlier condition. Preserving an old manuscript means shielding it from light and damp; restoring it means mending tears and reviving faded ink.
What is self-preservation?
Self-preservation is the drive to keep yourself safe from harm — protecting your life, wellbeing, or interests. It is often described as an instinct, as in "the self-preservation instinct", and the word extends to cautious or self-protective behaviour generally.
What is food preservation?
Food preservation is the practice of keeping food safe from decay so it remains edible for longer. Traditional and modern methods include drying, salting, pickling, canning, refrigeration, and freezing, all of which slow the processes that spoil food.
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