ENGLISH
REFERENCE

conservation

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˌkɑnsɝˈveɪʃən// UK //kˌɒnsəvˈeɪʃən// con·ser·va·tion General-service

n. the careful protection of nature, including animals, plants, and natural resources. It also means using something like water or energy wisely so it does not run out.

n. the preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment and wildlife. In a scientific context, refers to the principle that a total physical quantity remains constant during a process.


SIMPLE

The group works on the conservation of local forests.

CONTEXTUAL

New laws were passed to support the conservation of the river's fish population after years of overfishing.

COMPLEX

Effective wildlife conservation requires a delicate balance between protecting endangered species and respecting the economic needs of the communities living alongside them.

Synonyms
Origin

From Old French. By surface analysis, conserve + -ation.

Usage

Frequently used in the compound 'conservation area' or paired with 'of' to specify the resource being protected.

Pitfall

the conservation for the environmentthe conservation of the environmentThe noun typically takes the preposition 'of' to indicate the object being protected.

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