Preservation
/ˌprɛzərˈveɪʃən/
nounB2
Definition
Preservation is the act of protecting or saving something important (like nature, buildings, or food) from harm, change, or destruction. It means making sure that something stays the same and lasts for a long time.
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See It in Action
Protecting objects, buildings, or nature to keep them safe
- •The preservation of ancient ruins helps us learn about history.
- •Many countries have laws for the preservation of natural parks.
- •The museum focuses on the preservation of old paintings.
Keeping food or other items so they do not spoil or go bad
- •Preservation of fruits by freezing helps them last longer.
- •Salt is used in the preservation of meat.
- •The preservation of food is important for long trips.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "preservation" like "keeping" or "saving," but with a strong focus on protecting and caring carefully
- ✓Picture a museum where old paintings and objects are kept safe behind glass to protect them from dust and damage
- ✓It's the feeling when you carefully wrap a gift to keep it perfect until someone opens it
- ✓Sounds like "prez-ER-vay-shun" → Imagine someone saying "Please serve and save," like serving food carefully to keep it fresh
- ✓Think of stories where people save old castles or forests so future generations can enjoy them too
- ✓NOT like "throw away" (getting rid of), preservation means holding on and protecting
- ✓NOT like "change" (making different), preservation means keeping things the same, stopping change or damage
- ✓NOT like "repair" (fixing after damage), preservation is about stopping damage before it happens
Try Other Words
- •Conservation: protecting nature or resources (Use when talking about protecting the environment or natural things)
- •Protection: keeping something safe from harm (Use in general situations where safety is the main idea)
- •Maintenance: taking care of something so it stays good (Use when focusing on regular care and fixing small problems)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "pre-" (before) + "serve" (to keep, protect) + "-ation" (a noun ending meaning the action or process)
- •Etymology: From Latin "praeservare," meaning "to keep beforehand, protect"
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s to mean the act of keeping something safe or unchanged
- •Modern usage: Commonly used for protecting nature, historical sites, food, and cultural items to keep them for the future
Reflect & Connect
•What are some things in your life or community that need preservation? Why?
•How does preservation help us connect with the past and protect the future?
Fill in the blanks
1.The preservation of old buildings requires careful ___ to prevent damage from weather.
2.People practice preservation of food by using methods like freezing or ___.
3.Unlike repair, preservation focuses on ___ damage before it happens.
4.Laws about preservation help protect natural parks and ___ areas.
5.Preservation is important because it helps keep things ___ for future generations.
6.When we talk about preservation, we usually mean stopping ___ or loss.
7.The museum uses special tools for the preservation of ___ artworks.