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preservation

prez-ur-VAY-shun /ˌprezərˈveɪʃən/

nounB2IELTSTOEFLSAT

neutralscientifichistorical

The action of preserving something; the state of being preserved.

In food, it refers to techniques like canning, drying, or freezing that stop spoilage.

The story behind the word. From the Latin 'praeservare,' meaning to 'guard beforehand.' It suggests taking action early to make sure something doesn't get lost or ruined later.

Word relationships

conservation: Conservation often implies wise use of a resource; preservation implies keeping it exactly as it is, untouched.

destruction: The action or process of causing so much damage to something that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired.
decay: The state or process of rotting or decomposition.

Commonly confused with

reservation: Reservation is keeping something for a specific person/time; preservation is keeping something from spoiling.

Word family

preserve (verb): To maintain in its original or existing state.
preservative (noun): A substance used to preserve food or other materials.

Collocations

food preservation
preservation of nature
self-preservation

Example sentences

"The invention of canning was a breakthrough in the preservation of food for long sea voyages." Food science history.
"In Wildness is the preservation of the World." Environmental philosophy. (Henry David Thoreau)

Memory hook

PRE (before) + SERVE. You take care of it BEFORE you need to SERVE it. Preservation: Guarding for later.

When not to use

Don't use it for just 'saving' a seat; use it for keeping something in its original or a safe state over time.

Fun facts

Honey is one of the few foods that has natural preservation properties so strong it can last for thousands of years; edible honey was found in ancient Egyptian tombs.