Conserve

Definition

Conserve means to protect, preserve, or maintain something in its original state, especially regarding resources like energy, water, or the environment. It can also refer to the careful and sustainable management of a resource.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kənˈsɜːrv/
• Respelling: kuhn-SURV

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kənˈsɜːv/
• Respelling: kuhn-SURV

Etymology

The word "conserve" originates from the Latin "conservare," meaning "to preserve" or "keep from harm." It came into English via Old French "conserver," with the meaning of guarding or protecting something valuable.

Derivatives

• Conservation (noun)
• Conservator (noun)
• Conservancy (noun)
• Conservationist (noun)
• Conservative (adjective/noun)

Synonyms

• Preserve
• Maintain
• Safeguard

Antonyms

• Waste
• Destroy
• Deplete

Usage

The verb "conserve" is often used in contexts related to environmental protection, resource management, and sustainability. For example, "We need to conserve water during the drought," or "Efforts to conserve wildlife are crucial for biodiversity." It can also be used in a more general sense to refer to maintaining something in a good state.

Related Terms

• Sustainability: The ability to maintain or support resources and systems over time.
• Preservation: The act of maintaining something in its original or existing state.
• Ecology: The branch of biology concerned with the relations of organisms to their environment.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To protect or preserve a resource from depletion or destruction: Refers to taking action to ensure that natural resources, energy, or other valuable entities are not wasted or damaged.
  • Example: "It is important to conserve energy by turning off lights when not in use."
• To maintain or keep something in its original state: Refers to the act of preserving an item, structure, or system from deterioration.
  • Example: "Museums work to conserve historical artifacts."

Noun

• A type of jam made by preserving fruit: Refers to a sweet spread made by cooking fruit with sugar to prevent spoilage.
  • Example: "The chef made a strawberry conserve for the dessert."