What does "preservation" mean?

1. (protecting something) the act of keeping something safe from damage, decay, or being destroyed. 2. (state of survival) the condition of something that has lasted for a long time.

How do you use "preservation"?

Often followed by the preposition 'of'. Commonly used in the phrase 'state of preservation'.

preservation

US //ˌpɹɛzɝˈveɪʃən// UK //pɹɪsəvˈeɪʃən// preser·va·tion

1 protecting something (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the act of keeping something safe from damage, decay, or being destroyed.

the act of maintaining or protecting something to prevent its destruction or deterioration. Often used in environmental or historical contexts.

Example

The preservation of old buildings is important for the city's history.

Example

The society is dedicated to the preservation of local wetlands, ensuring that the delicate ecosystem remains undisturbed by urban development.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'of'.
- destruction
- neglect
2 state of survival (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

the condition of something that has lasted for a long time.

the state or quality of being preserved; the condition in which an object has survived.

Example

The ancient book was in excellent preservation despite its age.

Example

Archaeologists were astonished by the state of preservation of the wooden tools found deep within the peat bog.

Usage

Commonly used in the phrase 'state of preservation'.
- condition
- state

Origin

From Old French preservacion, from Medieval Latin preservatio. Morphologically preserve + -ation.