preservation

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.

“Preservation” is pronounced prehz-uh-VAY-shuhn (/ˌpɹɛz.ɚˈveɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).

Here is “preservation” used in a sentence: “The museum is dedicated to the preservation of ancient manuscripts.”

“Preservation” is a noun.

The word “preservation” comes from Old French. From Old French preservacion, ultimately from "preserve" plus "-ation.".

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

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.

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.

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.

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.