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Conservatory Definition: Two Key Meanings with Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：glass room for plants (conservatory)
conservatory
/kənˈsɜːrvəˌtɔːri/
n.
A room made mostly of glass, often attached to a house, where people grow plants that need warmth and sunlight.
glass room for plants
➕
/ɡlæs ruːm fɔr plænts/
n.
A conservatory is a glazed room attached to a house, used for growing plants that require warmth and sunlight.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'conservare' (to preserve) + '-ory' (place for); a place for preserving plants or artistic skills.
💡 Mnemonic
Think: 'conserve' plants in a glass 'conservatory' or 'conserve' music skills at a music 'conservatory'.
📖 Example
We enjoy our morning coffee in the conservatory, surrounded by the lush greenery of our indoor plants.
We enjoy our morning coffee in the conservatory, surrounded by the lush greenery of our indoor plants.
🔗 Collocations
conservatory roof – the roof structure of a glass conservatory
attached conservatory – a conservatory that is built against an existing house
conservatory plants – plants grown in a conservatory, typically tropical species
🔄 Synonyms
greenhouse (n.) – a glass building for growing plants, often larger and separate from a house
sunroom (n.) – a room with many windows to let in sunlight, usually not used for plants
glasshouse (n.) – a building with glass walls and roof for growing plants (British English)
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'conservatory' originated in the 16th century from Italian 'conservatorio', referring to a shelter for plants. In the 19th century, it was extended to schools for music, preserving artistic talent.
Meaning 2：school for music and arts (conservatory)
conservatory
/kənˈsɜːrvəˌtɔːri/
n.
A school where students are trained to a high level in music, and sometimes in acting or art.
school for music and arts
➕
/skuːl fɔr ˈmjuːzɪk ænd ɑːrts/
n.
A conservatory is a specialized school that provides advanced training in music, drama, or dance.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She practiced the piano for eight hours a day at the conservatory to prepare for the international competition.
She practiced the piano for eight hours a day at the conservatory to prepare for the international competition.
🔗 Collocations
music conservatory – a conservatory focused on musical training
attend a conservatory – to study at a conservatory as a student
conservatory education – the type of training provided by a conservatory
🔄 Synonyms
music school (n.) – a school where music is taught
academy of music (n.) – a higher education institution for music
school of performing arts (n.) – a school that teaches music, theater, and dance
Wordbook
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