preservation
prez-ur-VAY-shuhn/ˌpɹɛz.ɚˈveɪ.ʃən/Sayprez-uh-VAY-shuhnUK/ˌpɹɛz.əˈveɪ.ʃən/AUS/ˌpɹez.əˈvæɪ.ʃən/
- 1The work of keeping something safe so it is not damaged, lost, or spoiled.
Like putting fruit in a sealed jar so it stays good and does not go bad.
The preservation of the old bridge took many years of careful work.
Careful preservation keeps these family photos from fading.
Similarconservation, protection, maintenance, upkeep, safekeeping
Oppositedestruction, neglect
- 2How well something has stayed whole and undamaged over time.
Like an old toy that still looks brand new after years in a box.
The preservation of the ancient tomb amazed the visitors.
The old coins were in great preservation after centuries underground.
Similarcondition
Oppositedecay, deterioration
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Origin
It comes from Old French preservacion and Latin preservatio. It is made from 'preserve' plus '-ation'.