Preserving: meaning, definitions and examples

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preserving

[prɪˈzəːvɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

nature

Protecting something from harm or loss, keeping it in its original state or condition.

Synonyms

conserving, maintaining, protecting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
preserving	Use when talking about keeping something in its original or current state, often over a long period, especially in terms of food, culture, or historical items. The museum is dedicated to preserving ancient artifacts. She has been preserving her grandmother's recipes for generations.
protecting	Suitable when defending or shielding something from harm or damage, often emphasizes safety and security. Firewalls are crucial for protecting your computer from viruses. The park ranger is responsible for protecting wildlife in the area.
conserving	Use when referring to the careful management of resources or prevention of waste, especially related to the environment or energy. We should focus on conserving water during the drought. Conserving energy helps reduce our carbon footprint.
maintaining	Applicable when keeping something in good condition or continuing to have something, often it implies regular upkeep or operational status. Maintaining your car regularly can prolong its lifespan. The school is dedicated to maintaining a high level of education.

Examples of usage

He dedicated his life to preserving the rainforest.
She believes in preserving the historical integrity of old buildings.
The museum is committed to preserving artifacts for future generations.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

food

Keeping food in good condition for future use, usually by canning, freezing, or drying.

Synonyms

canning, jarring, pickling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
preserving	This word is used when referring to maintaining the original state and quality of food or other items over time. It is a general term that can encompass various methods such as canning, jarring, and freezing. She has a passion for preserving local heritage. Preserving fruits in sugar helps to maintain their flavor.
canning	Use this term specifically when referring to the process of sealing food in airtight containers, usually metal cans, to keep it from spoiling. This method is widely used in commercial food production. Grandma spends all summer canning tomatoes from her garden. Canning preserves vegetables for use throughout the winter.
jarring	This is similar to canning but refers to storing food in glass jars. Commonly used for homemade preserves and pickles, it often has an artisanal or homemade connotation. She made a batch of raspberry jam and spent the afternoon jarring it. Jarring pickles is a family tradition around here.
pickling	Refers specifically to the process of preserving food in a brine or vinegar solution. This method often gives the food a tangy taste and can include a variety of vegetables and fruits. Pickling cucumbers is a great way to use up an abundant harvest. He has a special recipe for pickling onions.

Examples of usage

She spent the afternoon preserving the fruits from her garden.
The tradition of preserving jams and pickles has been passed down through generations.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

history

The act of keeping alive or in existence; the protection or maintenance of something.

Synonyms

conservation, maintenance, protection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
preserving	Preserving is best used when discussing actions taken to keep something in its current state, often for long periods. It can apply to food, artifacts, and natural resources. We are preserving these old documents to ensure they remain intact for future generations. She is interested in preserving traditional recipes from her culture.
conservation	Conservation is commonly used in environmental and resource management contexts to imply the careful protection and responsible management of natural resources. The conservation of endangered species is essential for maintaining biodiversity. The park rangers work on the conservation of the forest to prevent deforestation.
protection	Protection involves actions that shield or defend something from harm or danger. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including personal safety, data security, and environmental protection. Wearing a helmet provides protection for your head in case of an accident. Laws have been enacted for the protection of consumer rights.
maintenance	Maintenance refers to the regular upkeep and repair of equipment, buildings, or systems to ensure they continue to function properly. Regular maintenance of the car is crucial to ensure it runs smoothly. The building requires frequent maintenance to remain safe and usable.

Examples of usage

The preserving of ancient ruins is essential for understanding our past.
They are dedicated to the preserving of cultural heritage.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The practice dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations using various methods like drying, salting, and fermenting to store food for leaner times.
In ancient Egypt, people used honey to preserve fruits and meats, showcasing an early understanding of food preservation techniques.
The phrase 'to can' comes from the technique of sealing food in containers to prevent spoilage, a method popularized in the 19th century.

Science

Preserving food often involves lowering the temperature (like in refrigeration) or using chemical processes (like pickling), which inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
Adding salt or sugar during preservation creates an environment that draws moisture out of food, making it less hospitable to microbes.
Some preservation methods, like fermentation, not only prevent spoilage but can also enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the food.

Cultural Practices

Around the world, many cultures have unique preservation techniques, such as kimchi in Korea or sauerkraut in Germany, both of which use fermentation.
Festivals in various cultures often celebrate the harvest season, with preserving being central to maintaining the bounty for winter months.
In Southern United States traditions, preserving fruits and vegetables is not only practical but also a cherished family activity that fosters community bonding.

Literature

In classic literature, the act of preserving memories or experiences often symbolizes holding onto the past, as seen in works by authors like Marcel Proust.
Poems often use food preservation as a metaphor for love and loss, illustrating how we 'preserve' our feelings or relationships over time.
Many children's books introduce concepts of food preservation by illustrating characters who learn to can fruits and vegetables, tying it to themes of sustainability.

Technology

The invention of canning in the early 1800s revolutionized food preservation, allowing large quantities of food to be stored and transported safely.
Modern advancements in preservation include vacuum sealing and modified atmosphere packaging, which extend the shelf life of perishable items.
Food preservation technologies are continuously evolving, with new methods like freeze-drying becoming popular for retaining flavor and nutrients in foods.

Translations

Translations of the word "preserving" in other languages:

🇵🇹 preservando

🇮🇳 संरक्षण करना

🇩🇪 bewahren

🇮🇩 melestarikan

🇺🇦 зберігання

🇵🇱 zachowanie

🇯🇵 保存

🇫🇷 préserver

🇪🇸 conservando

🇹🇷 koruma

🇰🇷 보존

🇸🇦 الحفاظ

🇨🇿 uchovávání

🇸🇰 zachovávanie

🇨🇳 保存

🇸🇮 ohranjanje

🇮🇸 varðveisla

🇰🇿 сақтау

🇬🇪 შენარჩუნება

🇦🇿 qoruma

🇲🇽 conservación

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,029 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6026 transient
6027 fellows
6028 notification
6029 preserving
6030 waiver
6031 completing
6032 skull
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