# keep

/ˈkip/ (US) · /kˈiːp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/keep
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to continue a state

verb · CEFR A1

to stay in a particular state or condition, or to make someone else stay that way.

For teachers: to cause to continue in a specified state, condition, or position.

- Please keep the door closed so the cat doesn't get out.
- The manager struggled to keep the staff motivated during the long transition to the new software system.

Usage: Often used as a copular verb followed by an adjective or a present participle.

### 2. to continue doing

verb · CEFR A2

to do something again and again or without stopping.

For teachers: to continue a course of action or to repeat an action frequently.

- I keep forgetting where I put my car keys.
- Despite the technical difficulties, the researchers kept searching for a pattern in the data sets.

### 3. to store or save

verb · CEFR A1

to put something in a place to use it later, or to not give it back.

For teachers: to retain possession of something or to store it in a regular place.

- You can keep the change from the coffee.
- The archives keep original manuscripts in climate-controlled vaults to prevent the paper from deteriorating.

### 4. to follow a promise

verb · CEFR B1

to do what you said you would do.

For teachers: to fulfill or adhere to a promise, law, or appointment.

- It is important to keep your promises if you want people to trust you.
- The diplomat worked tirelessly to ensure both nations would keep the terms of the peace treaty.

### 5. to stay fresh

verb · CEFR B1

to stay in good condition without spoiling.

For teachers: to remain in good condition or stay fresh for a period of time.

- This milk will keep for another week in the fridge.
- Hard cheeses keep much longer than soft ones, making them ideal for long-distance transport without refrigeration.

### 6. castle tower

noun · CEFR B2

the strongest, central tower of a castle.

For teachers: the innermost stronghold or central tower of a medieval castle.

- The soldiers retreated to the castle keep when the outer walls fell.
- The stone keep provided a final line of defence, featuring thick walls and narrow windows designed for archers.

### 7. cost of living

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the money or food needed to live.

For teachers: the cost of food, clothes, and other necessities for life.

- He worked in the garden to earn his keep while staying at the farm.
- The young apprentice was expected to earn his keep by performing menial tasks around the workshop before learning the trade.

## Examples

- You can keep the change from the coffee.
- If you keep practicing every day, your English will improve much faster than you expect.
- The museum struggled to keep the fragile artifacts in a climate-controlled environment while the main ventilation system was undergoing extensive repairs.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.