preserve
gb/pɹɪzˈɚv/ us/pɹɪzˈɚv/
A2
English
~ 2400
megőriz, megóv, lekvár, dzsem, természetvédelmi terület, rezervátum, védett terület, állatmenhely
VERB
B1
1
Usage pattern:
to preserve [something]
We must preserve the old photographs for future generations.
Meg kell őriznünk a régi fényképeket a jövő nemzedékei számára.
The treaty aims to preserve peace between the two nations.
A szerződés célja, hogy megőrizze a békét a két nemzet között.
She worked hard to preserve her family's traditions.
The museum preserves rare artifacts from ancient times.
Learner examples
We must preserve the books.
Meg kell őriznünk a könyveket.
They want to preserve the park.
Meg akarják őrizni a parkot.
We preserve food in the fridge.
He tries to preserve his culture.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'preserve' with 'reserve'. 'Preserve' means to keep something safe or unchanged, while 'reserve' means to keep something for later use.
Meaning
Keep something from changing or decaying
Collocations
preserve nature
|preserve tradition
|preserve evidence
|preserve peace
Synonyms
maintain (Implies ongoing care to keep something in a good state.)
|
protect (Focuses more on guarding from harm rather than maintaining condition.)
Antonyms
destroy (Means to cause complete damage or ruin.)
|
neglect (Means to fail to care for something, leading to decline.)
Themes
daily life
|environment
|history
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To keep something the same and stop it from being damaged or lost.
To maintain something in its existing state and prevent it from being damaged, destroyed, or changed.
NOUN
A2
2
She spread raspberry preserves on her toast.
Málnalekvárt kent a pirítósára.
The shop sells homemade strawberry preserves.
A bolt házi eperlekvárt árul.
We bought a jar of apricot preserves at the market.
Learner examples
I like strawberry preserves.
Szeretem az eperlekvárt.
He eats bread with preserves.
Lekváros kenyeret eszik.
We made preserves from the apples.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'preserves' with 'conserve' or 'jam', which are similar but may differ in recipe or texture.
Meaning
Sweet fruit spread or conserve
Collocations
strawberry preserves
|homemade preserves
|jar of preserves
Synonyms
jam (Commonly used for a similar fruit spread, though texture can differ.)
|
marmalade (A citrus-based preserve, often with peel pieces.)
Themes
food
|cooking
|food_drink
|daily_life
Definition
Sweet food made from fruit and sugar, usually spread on bread.
A type of sweet food made by cooking fruit with sugar, often used as a spread or filling.
NOUN
B1
3
The island is a nature preserve for rare birds.
A sziget természetvédelmi terület a ritka madarak számára.
Hunters are not allowed in the game preserve.
A vadrezervátumban nem engedélyezett a vadászat.
The government created a wildlife preserve to protect endangered species.
Learner examples
We went to a nature preserve.
Elmentünk egy természetvédelmi területre.
The park is a wildlife preserve.
A park vadvédelmi terület.
Many birds live in the preserve.
Meaning
Protected area for wildlife
Collocations
wildlife preserve
|nature preserve
|game preserve
Synonyms
sanctuary (A safe place for animals, sometimes also for people.)
|
reserve (A protected area, often larger and may allow some human activity.)
Themes
environment
|geography
|nature
Definition
A place where animals and plants are safe and protected by law.
An area of land where animals, plants, or natural resources are protected and kept in their natural state.
Grammar
Dictionary form
preserve
IPA
GB/pɹɪzˈɚv/
US/pɹɪzˈɚv/
Syllables & stress
pre - serve (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (serve)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: preserve
- Plural: preserve, preserves
Verb
- Base: preserve
- 3rd Person Singular: preserves
- Present Participle: preserving
- Past: preserved
Word family
Forms
preserves
noun
preserving
verb
preserved
verb
Core family
preservation
noun B2
preservative
noun
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
destroy
verb B1
Advanced or less common
preservable
adjective
Expressions
preserve one's dignity
1/pɹɪzˈɚv wˈʌnz dˈɪɡnəti/
fixed phrase
Maintain self-respect under pressure
To keep your sense of self-respect even when things are hard or embarrassing.
Examples
- She tried to preserve her dignity after making the mistake.
- Even in defeat, he preserved his dignity.
preserve the peace
1/pɹɪzˈɚv ðə pˈis/
fixed phrase
Keep public order and safety
To keep people safe and stop fighting or trouble in public places.
Examples
- The police were called to preserve the peace during the protest.
- Diplomats worked hard to preserve the peace between the two countries.