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preserve

pruh-ZERV /prɪˈzɜːrv/

verbnounB1IELTSTOEFLSAT

neutralacademic

To keep safe from injury, harm, or change; maintain in an unaltered state (verb); a protected area reserved for wildlife (noun).

Stresses strict protection designed to keep something completely pristine or unchanged, rather than managed for utilization.

The story behind the word. Formed from Latin prae- (beforehand) and servare (to guard/keep). The primary sense was taking precautions in advance so that an object or place remains undamaged. John Muir championed this exact idea, arguing that magnificent wilderness should be guarded before destruction occurs.

Word relationships

protect: Protect means shielding from danger generally, whereas preserve emphasizes keeping something in its original state.

destroy: To cause severe damage, ruin, or complete annihilation of something.

Commonly confused with

conserve: Preserve means to keep intact and untouched, whereas conserve means to use and manage resources sustainably.

Word family

preservation (noun): The act of keeping something safe and unchanged.
preservationist (noun): An advocate for keeping natural environments pristine and untouched.

Collocations

preserve wildlife
nature preserve
preserve habitat
preserve intact

Example sentences

"Park rangers work around the clock to preserve pristine forest wilderness for future generations." National park guidance
"In God's wildness lies the hope of the world—the great fresh unblighted unredeemed wilderness." Wilderness preservation philosophy

Memory hook

PRE-SERVE = guard BEFORE (pre) destruction happens. Keep untouched and safe.

When not to use

Do not confuse with 'reserve' when referring to emotional restraint or mental hesitation.

Fun facts

John Muir's fierce advocacy for preserving nature untouched led to the founding of the Sierra Club.