keepsake
KEEP-sayk
/ˈkiːpseɪk/
Anything kept, or given to be kept, as a token of friendship, affection, or memory.
Emphasizes personal affection and high sentimental value; often handed down or kept in special boxes.
The story behind the word. Formed in English in the late 18th century by joining 'keep' and 'sake' ('for the sake of keeping'). It arose during the Romantic era when personal tokens like locks of hair and pressed flowers were preserved in personal albums.
Word relationships
- heirloom: An heirloom is a keepsake specifically passed down through generations within a family.
- memento: Memento emphasizes triggering a specific memory, whereas keepsake emphasizes preserving the item out of affection.
- discard: An item thrown away as having no sentimental or material value.
Commonly confused with
- trinket: A trinket is cheap jewelry or ornament of little value, whereas a keepsake carries deep emotional meaning.
Word family
- keep (verb): To retain possession.
Collocations
- treasured keepsake
- family keepsake
- personal keepsake
Example sentences
- "Her grandmother gave her a silver locket as a precious keepsake before she left on her journey abroad." Family heirloom gift
Memory hook
KEEP-SAKE: Kept for the SAKE of keeping warm memories alive. Object kept for affection.
When not to use
Do not use for routine commercial purchases or purely practical tools.
Fun facts
- In the Victorian era, ornate velvet-lined wooden 'keepsake boxes' were popular wedding gifts designed to hold dried flowers and love letters.
Explore more words
souvenir, remembrance, relic, memorial, commemorate, nostalgia
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