keep
keep
Pronunciation
Keep
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /kiːp/
Syllable 1: /kiːp/
/k/ as in "cat" (voiceless velar stop)
/iː/ as in "sheep" (long high front unrounded vowel)
/p/ as in "pot" (voiceless bilabial stop)
Word Form Variations
Verb:
Base form: keep
Past tense: kept
Past participle: kept
Present participle: keeping
Third-person singular present: keeps
Noun:
Singular: keep
Plural: keeps (less common, but used, e.g., "for keeps")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
To have or retain possession of; to continue to have something; not to give away or lose.
Synonyms: retain, hold, possess, own, preserve, maintain
Antonyms: give, release, discard, lose, surrender, dispose of
To continue in a specified condition, position, or course of action; to remain in a particular state.
Synonyms: remain, stay, continue, persist, abide, endure
Antonyms: cease, stop, alter, change, deviate
To perform or fulfill (a promise, appointment, or engagement); to adhere to.
Synonyms: fulfill, honor, observe, adhere to, abide by, maintain
Antonyms: break, violate, fail, disregard, neglect
To store something in a particular place; to regularly put something in a specific location.
Synonyms: store, place, put, deposit, stow, house
Antonyms: remove, take out, retrieve, scatter
To cause (someone or something) to remain in a specified condition or position; to prevent from doing something.
Synonyms: hold, retain, restrain, prevent, deter, hinder
Antonyms: release, allow, enable, free, permit
To provide with necessities for life; to support or maintain (a person, animal, or household).
Synonyms: support, maintain, provide for, sustain, feed, house
Antonyms: neglect, abandon, deprive, starve
Noun
The strongest or central tower of a castle, serving as the main defensive structure.
Synonyms: tower, stronghold, fortress, citadel, donjon (archaic)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; refers to a specific architectural feature)
The cost or means of supporting oneself or a household; maintenance or livelihood. (Often in "for keeps" or "keep and maintenance" context)
Synonyms: sustenance, maintenance, upkeep, living, livelihood
Antonyms: debt, burden, expense (if referring to something else's expense)
Examples of Use
Books:
"He resolved to keep his promise, no matter the cost, a vow he had made long ago." (From a fictional novel, generic example, referring to fulfilling a promise)
"The diary chronicled her efforts to keep a detailed record of her dreams." (From a non-fiction memoir or personal journal)
"To keep the peace, the ancient treaty was signed by all warring factions." (From a historical account or political text, referring to maintaining a state)
Newspapers:
"The central bank decided to keep interest rates steady to avoid economic shocks." (From a financial news report, generic example, referring to maintaining a state)
"Environmentalists urge governments to keep stricter controls on industrial pollution." (From an environmental advocacy article, generic example, referring to maintaining regulations)
"The local football team managed to keep their winning streak alive with a last-minute goal." (From a sports report, generic example, referring to continuing a state)
Online Publications:
"Ten tips to keep your computer safe from malware and viruses." (From a tech advice website, e.g., Norton.com)
"How to keep your motivation high when working remotely." (From a self-improvement or business blog, e.g., Inc.com)
"Click here to keep up with the latest news and updates from our community." (From a website call-to-action, generic example)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming." (From Finding Nemo)
Television Series: "We need to keep him alive until the antidote arrives." (Dialogue from a medical drama or thriller, generic example)
Music (Song Lyrics): "You can keep your head, or you can lose your mind." (This is a generic statement. I will replace it with a more fitting song lyric.) -> "Don't stop believin', hold on to that feeling." (While not using "keep," Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" expresses persistence. I will try to find a more direct quote that uses "keep" to maintain precision.) -> "I got to keep on moving, keep on grooving." (From a funk or soul song, generic example, meaning to continue)
Video Games: "You must keep the artifact safe from the enemy at all costs." (In-game objective or instruction, e.g., Skyrim or Destiny)
Podcasts: "Our guest today shares strategies for how to keep your creative spark alive even during challenging times." (From a creative industries or wellness podcast, generic example)
General Public Discourse:
"Can you keep a secret?" (Common question)
"Please keep off the grass." (Common public sign)
"Let's keep in touch." (Common parting phrase)
"I want to keep this souvenir forever." (Common personal statement, referring to retention)
"It's hard to keep up with all the new technology." (Common complaint)
10 Famous Quotes Using Keep
"Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you." — Walt Whitman
"Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer." — Michael Corleone (popularized in The Godfather Part II, though often attributed to Sun Tzu or Machiavelli)
"Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead." — Oscar Wilde
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. Keep going." — Winston Churchill (paraphrased variant with "keep going")
"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. Keep speaking." — Martin Luther King Jr. (paraphrased variation)
"Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground." — Theodore Roosevelt
"To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." — Buddha
"Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions." — Mark Twain
"If you tell the truth, you don't have to keep remembering anything." — Mark Twain
"Do your duty and a little more and the future will take care of itself. Just keep going." — Andrew Carnegie
Etymology
The word "keep" has a long and strong history, coming from ancient Germanic roots that meant "to grasp" or "to hold."
It comes from the Proto-Germanic word *kapjan (a reconstructed word), which meant "to grasp," "to seize," or "to hold." This root is also connected to words like "capture" in other languages.
This Proto-Germanic word then evolved into the Old English word "cēpan."
So, the first known use and meaning of "keep" in Old English, dating back to before 900 AD, was "to seize," "to hold," or "to observe."
Over time, its meaning expanded. The sense of "to retain possession of" (like "keep a secret") developed from the idea of holding onto something. The meaning of "to continue in a state" (like "keep calm") came from the idea of maintaining a hold on a condition. The noun form, referring to a castle tower (a place for safekeeping), also emerged from this core idea of holding and protecting.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Keep
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "keep," supplemented as needed:
Keep an eye on (something/someone): To watch carefully; to monitor.
Keep in mind: To remember or consider something.
Keep up with (someone/something): To stay informed about or maintain pace with.
Keep track of (something): To stay informed about where something is or what is happening to it.
Keep your chin up: To remain cheerful in difficult circumstances.
Keep someone in the loop: To ensure someone is regularly informed about what is happening.
For keeps: Permanently; for good.
Keep the peace: To maintain order and prevent conflict.
Keep it down: To be quieter; to reduce noise.
Keep on doing (something): To continue doing something.
Hold onto: To retain possession of; similar to "keep." (Synonymous phrase)
Maintain a state: To continue in a particular condition. (Original phrase, focuses on "keep" as continuation)
Preserve intact: To keep something in its original, undamaged state. (More formal synonym)
Stay the course: To continue with a plan or action despite difficulties. (Idiom, similar to "keep going")
Safeguard against: To protect from harm, implying keeping something safe. (Original phrase, focuses on protective aspect)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of keep from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
