Origin: Latin prefix pre-
Preserve has 11 different meanings across 2 categories:
a domain that seems to be specially reserved for someone
"medicine is no longer a male preserve"
a reservation where animals are protected
"We visited the wildlife preserve to see the endangered species in their natural habitat."
A sweet spread made of any of a variety of fruits.
"She added a generous spoonful of strawberry preserve to her morning toast."
In plain English: A preserve is fruit that has been cooked with sugar and sealed to keep it fresh for later eating.
"The preserve tasted sweet and fruity, reminding everyone of summer jams made at home."
Usage: As a noun, preserve refers specifically to fruit jams or jellies that have been cooked with sugar and sealed in jars for long-term storage. Do not confuse this culinary term with the verb form meaning to protect something from decay or damage.
keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction
"We preserve these archeological findings"
"The old lady could not keep up the building"
"children must be taught to conserve our national heritage"
"The museum curator conserved the ancient manuscripts"
keep undisturbed for personal or private use for hunting, shooting, or fishing
"preserve the forest and the lakes"
To protect; to keep from harm or injury.
"The forest ranger worked tirelessly to preserve the ancient trees from fire and disease."
In plain English: To preserve something means to keep it safe from damage so that it stays exactly as it is for later use.
"She puts fruit in jars to preserve them for winter."
The word "preserve" comes to English via Middle French and Old French from the Medieval Latin prēservāre, which literally meant "to guard beforehand." This original sense of protecting something in advance evolved into our modern meaning.