Conserve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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conserve

[kənˈsərv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

environment

To protect (an object or area) from harm or destruction. To use something carefully in order to prevent it from being used up or destroyed.

Synonyms

preserve, protect, safeguard, save.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
conserve	Used when talking about using resources carefully to prevent waste. Often related to natural resources. We need to conserve water during the drought. Conserving energy helps reduce emissions.
preserve	Used when referring to maintaining the original state of something over a long period of time. It can relate to nature, culture, or history. They work to preserve historical buildings. The park is preserved for future generations.
save	Commonly used in everyday situations where the goal is to rescue or keep something from being lost or wasted. Can be used for time, money, or lives. She managed to save a lot of money during the sale. The firefighter saved the child from the burning building.
protect	Used when the focus is on keeping something safe from harm or damage. Can refer to people, objects, or environments. The new laws aim to protect endangered species. Wearing a seatbelt helps protect you in a car accident.
safeguard	Often used in formal contexts where there is a need to ensure safety or integrity. It can relate to policies, data, or overall well-being. Measures were put in place to safeguard personal information. It is important to safeguard public health.

Examples of usage

Please conserve water by taking shorter showers.
We need to conserve our natural resources for future generations.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

food

Food that has been preserved, especially by canning, smoking, or freezing.

Synonyms

canned food, jams, pickles, preserves.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
conserve	Used when referring to the act of preserving food, often through canning or other methods, to keep it safe for a long time. We need to conserve excess vegetables from our garden by making pickles and preserves. It's important to conserve these fruits by turning them into jams before they spoil.
preserves	Often similar to jams, preserves includes larger pieces of fruit and less sugar. It can also refer broadly to any food kept in a similar manner. Grandma's homemade preserves always taste the best. We used the apricots from our tree to make preserves for the winter.
canned food	Refers to food that has been processed and sealed in cans to extend its shelf life. Stocking up on canned food can be very useful during emergencies. She opened a can of beans to make a quick and easy dinner.
jams	Used for sweet spreads made from fruit and sugar, usually cooked and often preserved. Strawberry and blueberry jams are my favorite spreads for toast. Making jams is a great way to use up ripe fruit.
pickles	Refers to vegetables (often cucumbers) that have been preserved in a solution of brine or vinegar. She loves having pickles with her sandwich for an extra crunch. The farmer's market sells homemade dill pickles.

Examples of usage

I always keep a few cans of vegetables in case of emergencies.
She stored the jam she made in jars for long-term conservation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Environmental Science

Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting endangered species and their habitats.
By conserving energy, we reduce pollution and combat climate change, which helps the planet.
Sustainable agriculture practices aim to conserve soil health and water resources for future generations.

Cultural Significance

Many cultures have traditions centered around conservation, such as indigenous practices that respect natural resource management.
Art conservation focuses on preserving artworks for future appreciation, involving specialized techniques and knowledge.
Conservation movements began as early as the late 19th century, highlighting the global fight against environmental degradation.

Psychology

The tendency to conserve energy and resources is often linked to mindful living, which promotes sustainability.
Psychological studies suggest that individuals who practice conservation in daily life often report higher overall life satisfaction.
Cognitive biases can affect how people perceive the importance of conserving resources, leading to different behaviors.

Technology

Conservation technology includes innovations like solar panels and energy-efficient appliances that help save resources.
Recycling is a technological process that conserves materials by turning waste into new products.
Data conservation in computing involves methods to save information efficiently, similar to resource conservation.

Origin of 'conserve'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'conservare', meaning 'to keep together' or 'to preserve'.
It entered the English language in the 14th century, reflecting the evolving concept of protecting resources.
The prefix 'con-' means 'with' or 'together', while 'serve' relates to maintaining or taking care of something.

The word 'conserve' comes from the Latin word 'conservare', which means 'to keep, preserve'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century. Originally, it was primarily used in the context of preserving food. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the conservation of natural resources and the protection of the environment.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,735, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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