Definition of preservation

The word "preservation" originated in the early 16th century from the Latin verb conservere, which meant "to keep safe" or "to keep in good condition." The word was adopted into Old French as conserve, and by the 15th century, it had entered Middle English as reservacion. In its original sense, preservation referred to the act of maintaining something in a good state or preventing its spoilage or decay. This meaning was particularly common in relation to food and drink, as people sought ways to preserve perishable items like meat, fruit, and wine for consumption at later times. The concept of preservation also took on a more metaphorical meaning in the context of history and culture, as people became more interested in preserving important artifacts, documents, and traditions from the past. This idea of preservation as cultural or historical conservation is still with us today, as museums, libraries, and archives seek to maintain and protect objects and information that have value and significance to future generations. Overall, the word "preservation" reflects a human impulse to protect and sustain that extends over centuries and continents, from the practical concerns of food storage to the more abstract aspirations of cultural stewardship.