Conservation: meaning, definitions and examples

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conservation

 

[ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

environmental protection

The act of preserving, protecting, and managing natural resources, including land, water, and wildlife, in order to prevent their depletion or destruction.

Synonyms

preservation, protection, sustainability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conservation

Use this word when talking about the careful use of resources and the preservation of natural environments and wildlife.

  • The conservation of rainforests is crucial for maintaining biodiversity
preservation

This word is used when focusing on maintaining something in its original or existing state, often related to historical buildings, artifacts, or natural sites.

  • The preservation of ancient manuscripts is vital for historical research
protection

Use this word when you want to emphasize guarding or shielding something from harm, damage, or destruction.

  • The new law focuses on the protection of endangered species
sustainability

This term is used when referring to the ability to maintain or continue a process or practice over the long term, often used in contexts related to the environment, economy, or society.

  • Sustainability practices in agriculture help ensure that soil health is maintained for future generations

Examples of usage

  • Conservation efforts have been successful in saving many endangered species from extinction.
  • National parks play a crucial role in the conservation of biodiversity.
  • The government has implemented various conservation programs to protect the environment.
Context #2 | Noun

energy

The careful use, management, and preservation of energy resources in order to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Synonyms

efficiency, saving, sustainability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conservation

Used when talking about the protection and preservation of natural resources, wildlife, and historical landmarks. It often refers to efforts to maintain and protect environments from damage or degradation.

  • Conservation of the rainforest is crucial for maintaining biodiversity.
  • The conservation of historical buildings helps preserve our cultural heritage.
efficiency

Used when referring to the effective use of resources with minimal waste. It is often used in contexts such as business, engineering, and energy to describe a process where maximum output is achieved with minimal input.

  • The new factory's design focuses on energy efficiency.
  • Improving fuel efficiency can help reduce environmental impact.
sustainability

Used when talking about practices and strategies that do not deplete natural resources or harm the environment. Sustainability focuses on meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

  • Sustainability efforts in agriculture include crop rotation and organic farming.
  • Many companies are committing to sustainability by reducing their carbon footprint.
saving

Used when discussing the act of conserving resources, money, or time by not using them unnecessarily. It is often employed in everyday contexts where the goal is to reduce consumption or expenditures.

  • Turning off the lights when not in use is a simple way of saving energy.
  • Discounts at the store helped me with saving money on groceries.

Examples of usage

  • Energy conservation is important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Implementing energy-efficient technologies is a key strategy for conservation.
  • Conservation of energy can lead to cost savings for households and businesses.
Context #3 | Noun

art

The preservation and restoration of works of art, architecture, and cultural heritage for future generations to enjoy.

Synonyms

maintenance, preservation, restoration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conservation

Use this term when talking about protecting and managing natural resources or environments to prevent depletion or destruction.

  • The conservation efforts for the rainforest have led to increased biodiversity
  • Conservation of water is crucial during a drought
preservation

Use this term when talking about keeping something in its current state to prevent decay or damage, often related to cultural or historical contexts.

  • The preservation of ancient manuscripts is vital for historical research
  • Efforts towards the preservation of old buildings help retain the city's character
restoration

Use this term when talking about bringing something back to its original condition through repair or renovation.

  • The restoration of the vintage car took several months of hard work
  • The art museum funded the restoration of a famous painting
maintenance

Use this term when talking about keeping something in good condition by regularly checking and repairing it.

  • Regular maintenance of the car ensures it runs smoothly
  • The building requires annual maintenance checks to remain safe

Examples of usage

  • The museum has a dedicated conservation department to care for its collection.
  • Conservation experts use specialized techniques to repair and maintain valuable artworks.
  • Art conservation requires a deep understanding of materials and techniques used by the artist.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Latin 'conservare', which means 'to keep, guard, or preserve'.
  • The modern conservation movement began in the late 19th century, focusing on the protection of wildlife and natural spaces.
  • Early conservation efforts in the U.S. were largely shaped by figures like John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt.

Environmental Science

  • Conservation helps maintain biodiversity, which is crucial for ecosystem stability and resilience.
  • Protected areas, like national parks, play a significant role in maintaining habitats for various species.
  • Conservation techniques can include reforestation, habitat restoration, and establishing wildlife corridors.

Cultural Significance

  • Culturally, many indigenous societies prioritize conservation in their practices, seeing nature as sacred.
  • The concept of stewardship reflects a philosophical approach to conservation, emphasizing responsibility toward nature.
  • Art has played a role in conservation awareness, with movements in painting and photography highlighting environmental issues.

Pop Culture

  • Documentaries, such as 'Our Planet', have raised global awareness about environmental conservation efforts.
  • Conservation has become a trending topic on social media platforms, with many influencers promoting eco-friendly lifestyles.
  • Films like 'Avatar' showcase themes of conservation, depicting the importance of protecting ecosystems from exploitation.

Economics

  • Conservation can lead to economic benefits, such as eco-tourism, which supports local economies while protecting nature.
  • Sustainable practices in agriculture and fisheries help ensure resources are used wisely without depleting them.
  • Investors are increasingly looking at 'green' initiatives, leading to a rise in businesses focused on environmental sustainability.

Translations

Translations of the word "conservation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conservação

🇮🇳 संरक्षण

🇩🇪 Erhaltung

🇮🇩 konservasi

🇺🇦 збереження

🇵🇱 konserwacja

🇯🇵 保存 (ほぞん)

🇫🇷 conservation

🇪🇸 conservación

🇹🇷 koruma

🇰🇷 보존 (보존)

🇸🇦 حفظ

🇨🇿 konzervace

🇸🇰 konzervácia

🇨🇳 保护 (保护)

🇸🇮 ohranitev

🇮🇸 vernd

🇰🇿 сақтау

🇬🇪 დაცვა

🇦🇿 qorunma

🇲🇽 conservación

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,868, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.