keepsake
KEEP-sayk
/ˈkiːpseɪk/
A small item kept in memory of the person who gave it or the place/event where it was obtained.
Focuses on sentimental emotional value rather than high monetary worth.
The story behind the word. A native English compound formed in the late 18th century by joining 'keep' and 'sake' (meaning cause or purpose). Literally, an item kept for the sake of the giver or occasion.
Word relationships
- memento: Memento implies a reminder of a specific event or trip; keepsake emphasizes emotional connection to a person.
- souvenir: Souvenir usually implies a commercial item bought while traveling.
- trash: Items discarded due to having no value or sentimental attachment.
Commonly confused with
- heirloom: An heirloom is passed down through generations; a keepsake is any sentimental item kept for personal memories.
Collocations
- keepsake box
- treasured keepsake
- cherished keepsake
- keepsake gift
Example sentences
- "She received a silver silver spoon as a keepsake to remember her shower." Baby shower gifts
- "He placed the hospital identification bracelet inside a small keepsake box." Family tradition
Memory hook
You KEEP it for memory's SAKE. Kept for memory's sake.
When not to use
Do not use for financial assets or functional tools that lack sentimental value.
Fun facts
- Victorian keepsake albums often held locks of hair, pressed dried flowers, and hand-drawn poems.
Explore more words
souvenir, remembrance, relic, memorial, commemorate, nostalgia
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