French word

préserver

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁezɛʁve/

Meaning

  • verbprotect

Example

Il faut préserver l'environnement pour les générations futures.

We must protect the environment for future generations.

Illustration for préserver (protect)

More examples

Elle tient à préserver sa vie privée en ligne.

She is committed to preserving her privacy online.

Core concept

A planned safeguard that keeps a place, resource, or condition from being harmed or lost.

Common phrases

  • préserver la vie privée

    preserve privacy

  • préserver l'équilibre

    preserve balance

Similar words

protéger: Keeping something safe from threats, attacks, or harm.
conserver: Keeping something unchanged in its existing state or shape.
sauvegarder: Saving data or objects securely so they are not lost.
garder: Holding onto something or leaving it in place to prevent its loss.

Definition in French

Prendre des mesures pour empêcher qu'une chose ne subisse un mal, une perte ou une dégradation.

Word origin

French préserver is a learned formation from Latin praeservare, combining prae- 'before' with servare 'keep or protect'.

Usage tips

  • Préserver is followed directly by the protected object, while de introduces the harm or threat, as in préserver les forêts de la destruction.

Other meanings

  • preserveverb
  • maintainverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word