conserve

Everyday

1. To save something so it is not wasted or used up, such as water, energy or money. tree →
2. To protect something, such as nature, wildlife or old buildings, so that it stays in good condition. tree →
3. (science) In physics, energy is «conserved»: it is never made or destroyed, only changed from one form to another. tree →
4. (noun, formal) Jam made with large pieces of fruit, as in «strawberry conserve». tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography it is about saving energy, water and habitats; «conservation» is the noun for protecting nature. In everyday life adults say «conserve energy» about switching off lights. In PE or a long race you «conserve your energy» by not running too fast at the start. Phrases: «conserve water», «conserve energy», «conserve resources».

Examples

• Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth to conserve water. tree →
• We conserve electricity by switching off lights when we leave a room. tree →
• The runner conserved her energy for the last lap. tree →
• Rangers work to conserve the rainforest and its animals. tree →
• In a closed system, energy is conserved. tree →
• Gran spread apricot conserve on her scones. tree →
• The town is trying to conserve its old castle walls. tree →

Note

Regular verb: conserved, conserving. Nouns: «conservation» (protecting things), «conservationist» (a person who does it). Not the same as «conservative» (wanting to keep old ways; also a political party) or «conservatory» (a glass room on a house).