Preserve — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /pri-ˈzərv/ pre·serve

Meaning & Definition of Preserve

Preserve (verb)

  1. to keep safe from injury, harm, or destruction, protect
  2. to keep alive, intact, or free from decay
  3. maintain

Preserve (noun)

  1. fruit canned or made into jams or jellies or cooked whole or in large pieces in a syrup so as to keep its shape —often plural
  2. an area restricted for the protection and preservation of natural resources (such as animals or plants)
  3. something regarded as reserved for certain persons

Preserve (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to keep in good condition

    "vigilantly preserving the ancient statue for future generations to enjoy"

    similar: conserve, keep up, maintain, save
    related: service, support, sustain, care (for), husband, manage, defend, guard, protect, safeguard, screen, shield, cure, fix, heal, remedy, mend, patch, rebuild, reconstruct, rehabilitate, rejuvenate, restore
    near: disregard, ignore, neglect, break, damage, destroy, harm, hurt, impair, injure, ruin, wreck

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Preserve

The most common words with a similar meaning to Preserve:

conserve, keep up, maintain, save

Related Words for Preserve

service, support, sustain, care (for), husband, manage, defend, guard, protect, safeguard, screen, shield, cure, fix, heal, remedy, mend, patch, rebuild, reconstruct, rehabilitate, rejuvenate, restore

Near Antonyms of Preserve

disregard, ignore, neglect, break, damage, destroy, harm, hurt, impair, injure, ruin, wreck

Word Forms of Preserve

Inflections: preserved, preserving

Derived words: preservability (noun), preservable (adjective), preserver (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Preserve

Middle English, from Medieval Latin praeservare, from Late Latin, to observe beforehand, from Latin prae- + servare to keep, guard, observe conserve

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Preserve

Words & Phrases Containing Preserve

preserve the planet, game preserve, nature preserve

Frequently Asked Questions about Preserve

What does "Preserve" mean?

"Preserve" means to keep safe from injury, harm, or destruction, protect. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to keep safe from injury, harm, or destruction, protect.

What is another word for "Preserve"?

Other words for "Preserve" include conserve, keep up, maintain and save. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Preserve" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Preserve"?

There are 27 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Preserve". Common alternatives include conserve, keep up, maintain and save.

How do you use "Preserve" in a sentence?

Examples of "Preserve" in a sentence: "vigilantly preserving the ancient statue for future generations to enjoy".

Is "Preserve" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Preserve" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Preserve" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Preserve" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Preserve"?

"Preserve" is pronounced /pri-ˈzərv/ and divided into syllables as pre·serve.

What is the origin of the word "Preserve"?

"Preserve" comes from Middle English, from Medieval Latin praeservare, from Late Latin, to observe beforehand, from Latin prae- + servare to keep, guard, observe conserve. First known use: 14th centuryt.