conserve
UK: kənˈsɜːv | US: kənˈsɜːrv
vt. to protect something from harm, loss, or change
vt. to use resources carefully to avoid waste
n. (rare) a preparation of fruit preserved by cooking with sugar
conserve = con<together> + serve<keep>
- con<together>: From Latin cum (with, together), indicating collective action.
- serve<keep>: From Latin servare (to guard, preserve), reflecting the core idea of protection or retention.
Etymology Origin:
The word conserve traces back to Latin conservare (to keep together, preserve), combining con- (intensifying "togetherness") and servare (to guard). It entered Middle English via Old French conserver, initially referring to physical preservation (e.g., food). Over time, it expanded to abstract protection (e.g., energy, nature), aligning with its Latin roots' emphasis on safeguarding unity or integrity.
We must conserve water during droughts by fixing leaks.
The museum works to conserve ancient manuscripts.
She made a delicious conserve of strawberries and oranges.
Solar panels help conserve energy in households.
National parks aim to conserve wildlife habitats.