to keep something as it is, especially in order to prevent it from decaying or being damaged or destroyed

to preserve the environment 保护环境

We want to preserve the character of the town while improving the facilities. 我们想在改善市镇设施的同时保持其特色。

The agreement preserved our right to limit trade in endangered species. 这项协议保留了我们限制濒危物种贸易的权利。

Putting varnish on wood is a way of preserving it. 在木料上涂清漆是保护木料的一种方法。

I need to get out of the house from time to time just to preserve (= prevent me from losing) my sanity. 我需要时不时到户外去以保持头脑清醒。

to treat food in a particular way so that it can be kept for a long time without going bad

preserved fruit 保鲜水果

oranges preserved in brandy 浸在白兰地中贮存的橙子

a food made from fruit or vegetables boiled with sugar and water until it becomes a firm sauce

apricot preserve 杏酱

jars of preserves 几罐蜜饯

See also: conserve noun

an activity that only one person or a particular type of person does or is responsible for

Owning racehorses is the preserve of the rich. 拥有赛马是富人的专利。

Sport used to be a male preserve. 体育曾经是男性的专利。

a reserve