Word
keeping
Phoneticskeep·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkipɪŋ/
UK/kˈiːpɪŋ/
Definitions
01care or custody
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Formal
n. the responsibility of looking after something or keeping it safe.
n. the state of being in charge or having the care of something; often used with 'in' or 'into'.
“The lawyer left the original documents in the keeping of the bank.”
“The priceless artifacts were placed in the keeping of the national museum until a more secure facility could be constructed.”
Usage
Commonly appears in the phrase 'in someone's keeping'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02matching or harmony
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the way something fits or matches with other things around it.
n. conformity, harmony, or consistency with a particular style, tradition, or set of facts.
“The new modern windows were not in keeping with the old house.”
“The proposed glass skyscraper was deemed not in keeping with the historic character of the surrounding medieval district.”
Usage
Almost always used in the fixed phrases 'in keeping with' or 'out of keeping with'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “keeping” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Treat a student loan like income, not free money Erin advises setting a budget early and keeping track of spending in order to avoid overspending on the little extras.” “Here's how to style for success while keeping your cool - and where you and your boss stand on your wardrobe.” Word family
VERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/keeping