conservation
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the protection of plants, animals, and natural areas from the damaging effects of human activity.
the preservation and management of biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources to prevent extinction or habitat loss.
Simple“The local conservation group is working to protect the forest from new housing projects.”
In context“Effective wildlife conservation requires a delicate balance between protecting endangered species and supporting the economic needs of local communities.”
UsageOften used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'conservation area' or 'conservation effort'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the act of using less of something, like water or energy, so that it is not wasted.
the planned management of a limited resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.
Simple“Water conservation becomes very important during the dry summer months.”
In context“The government introduced new tax incentives to encourage energy conservation in industrial manufacturing plants.”
Antonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the professional care and repair of old buildings, art, or historical objects.
the professional activity of preserving and restoring cultural heritage, including works of art, architecture, and archaeological finds.
Simple“The museum's conservation department spent months cleaning the ancient painting.”
In context“The conservation of the medieval cathedral involved both structural reinforcement and the delicate cleaning of original stained-glass windows.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
the fact that the total amount of something, like energy, stays the same even when it changes form.
the principle that a total value of a physical magnitude remains constant in a system which is isolated from its surroundings.
Simple“According to the law of conservation of energy, energy cannot be created or destroyed.”
In context“Students must demonstrate a firm grasp of the conservation of momentum before moving on to more complex orbital mechanics.”
Synonymsconstancycontinuity
Usage conservation efforts · conservation work
“These issues will be high on the agenda when researchers from across the region meet in Abuja later this year to review the West African Vulture Conservation Action Plan, which was drafted in 2022.”
“As a conservation charity we are really careful about our resources and where they go," Biddle added.”
From Old French. By surface analysis, conserve + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.