keep
Looking for the meaning of keep? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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The main tower of a castle or fortress, located within the castle walls.
The food or money required to keep someone alive and healthy; one's support, maintenance.
“He works as a cobbler's apprentice for his keep.”
The act or office of keeping; custody; guard; care; heed; charge; notice.
The state of being kept; hence, the resulting condition; case.
“to be in good keep”
That which is kept in charge; a charge.
A cap for holding something, such as a journal box, in place.
To continue in (a course or mode of action); not to intermit or fall from; to uphold or maintain.
“to keep silence; to keep one's word; to keep possession”
(heading) To hold the status of something.
(heading) To hold or be held in a state.
To wait for, keep watch for.
To act as wicket-keeper.
“Godfrey Evans kept for England for many years.”
To take care; to be solicitous; to watch.
To be in session; to take place.
“School keeps today.”
To observe; to adhere to; to fulfill; not to swerve from or violate.
(by extension) To visit (a place) often; to frequent.
To observe or celebrate (a holiday).
“The feast of St. Stephen is kept on December 26.”
Understanding "keep"
The word **"keep"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/kiːp/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"keep"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "keep" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "keep" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "keep" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /kiːp/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "keep" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "keep" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "keep" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "keep". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/kiːp/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "keep" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use keep in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "keep" can be used in academic and casual conversations.