Environment / B2

k-uh-n-SURV/kənˈsɜːv/

To conserve is to protect something and prevent waste or destruction: conserve energy; conserve a habitat. Conservation is the noun (already in the dictionary). Save is everyday; preserve is close for food and buildings. Hospitals conserve oxygen in a surge. Do not mix with conversation.

Meaning

To protect something and prevent it being wasted or destroyed.

Examples

• “Hospitals were asked to conserve oxygen during the surge.”
• “The charity works to conserve peat bog, which is the habitat sense.”

Good to know

conserve energy / water / a species. Noun: conservation. Everyday: save. Close: preserve. Mix-up: conversation. Climate and heritage. Not “conserve a chat”.

Near in meaning

preserve

Topics

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