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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Keep Meaning: Usage, Examples, and Common Mistakes (3 meaning)

Meaning 1：maintain (keep)

keep 🔊

/kiːp/

To make something stay in the same state or condition, and not change or stop.

maintain 🔊

➕

/meɪnˈteɪn/

To cause something to remain in a particular state, condition, or position without change or interruption.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English cēpan 'to seize, hold, guard.'

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a 'key' that helps you 'keep' a door locked.

📖 Example

Please keep quiet while others are taking the exam in the library. 🔊 Please keep quiet while others are taking the exam in the library.

🔗 Collocations

keep calm – to remain calm and composed

keep silent – to remain silent without speaking

keep still – to remain motionless

🔄 Synonyms

maintain (v.) – To keep something in a particular state or condition.

preserve (v.) – To keep something in its original or unchanged state.

continue (v.) – To keep doing something without stopping.

🚫 Antonyms

change (v.) – To make or become different.

alter (v.) – To change or modify something.

discontinue (v.) – To stop doing or providing something.

🌱 Derivatives

keeper (n.) – A person who keeps or guards something.

keeping (n.) – The act of preserving or maintaining something.

keepsake (n.) – A small item kept in memory of someone or something.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'keep' originates from Old English cēpan, meaning 'to seize, hold, or guard.' It has been a core verb in English since early medieval times, used in legal and everyday contexts.

Meaning 2：retain (keep)

keep 🔊

/kiːp/

To have or continue to have something in your possession, and not give it away or throw it away.

retain 🔊

➕

/rɪˈteɪn/

To continue to have something as one's own and not give it away or lose it.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

My grandmother asked me to keep these old family photos safe. 🔊 My grandmother asked me to keep these old family photos safe.

🔗 Collocations

keep a secret – to not reveal a secret to others

keep a promise – to fulfill a promise

keep the change – to retain the surplus money as a tip

🔄 Synonyms

retain (v.) – To continue to have something; to keep possession of.

hold (v.) – To have and keep something in one's grasp or possession.

preserve (v.) – To keep something in good condition or from being lost.

🚫 Antonyms

discard (v.) – To throw away or get rid of something.

abandon (v.) – To leave behind or give up possession of something.

lose (v.) – To be deprived of or cease to have something.

🌱 Derivatives

keeper (n.) – A person who keeps or looks after something.

keeping (n.) – The act of holding or preserving something.

keepsake (n.) – A small item kept in memory of someone or something.

Meaning 3：continue (keep)

keep 🔊

/kiːp/

To continue doing something without stopping.

continue 🔊

➕

/kənˈtɪnjuː/

To persist in an action or activity without interruption.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Even though the rain got heavier, the runner decided to keep going. 🔊 Even though the rain got heavier, the runner decided to keep going.

🔗 Collocations

keep going – to continue moving or making progress

keep trying – to persist in attempting something

keep moving – to continue moving forward without stopping

🔄 Synonyms

continue (v.) – To keep doing something without stopping.

persist (v.) – To continue firmly in an action or course of action.

proceed (v.) – To continue with an action or process.

🚫 Antonyms

stop (v.) – To cease moving or operating.

pause (v.) – To temporarily stop an action.

cease (v.) – To bring or come to an end.

🌱 Derivatives

keeper (n.) – A person who continues to guard or look after something.

keeping (n.) – The act of continuing to maintain or preserve.

keepsake (n.) – A small item kept as a memory, continuing its sentimental value.