verb

conservar

preserve · conserve

Mantener algo en buen estado o sin cambios durante un tiempo largo.

Word: conservar

Meaning:
The verb "conservar" in Spanish means to preserve, to conserve, or to keep something in its original or good condition over time. It refers to taking actions or measures to maintain the state or quality of an object, place, idea, or even health.

Explanation and Breakdown

Prefix: "con-" means "with" or "together."
Root: "servar" comes from the Latin "servare," meaning "to keep" or "to guard."

Thus, "conservar" literally means "to keep with" or "to guard together."

Usage and Examples:

To preserve (save from decay or damage):
- Conservar los alimentos en el refrigerador.
  (To keep/preserve food in the refrigerator.)
To keep or maintain (continue having something):
- Quiero conservar una buena relación con mis amigos.
  (I want to maintain a good relationship with my friends.)
To conserve (natural resources, environment):
- Debemos conservar el medio ambiente.
  (We must conserve the environment.)

Synonyms

preservar (preserve)
mantener (maintain)
guardar (keep)
proteger (protect)

Antonyms

destruir (to destroy)
malgastar (to waste)
perder (to lose)
arruinar (to ruin)

Summary

"Conservar" is a versatile verb used for preserving objects, maintaining conditions, saving resources, or continuing relationships. It implies an effort to guard something valued from harm, loss, or decay.