Keep Meaning
Keep Definition & Usage
To retain possession of something; to maintain or hold onto something.
Examples
- "She decided to keep the gift as a reminder of their friendship."
- "The company plans to keep the information private for now."
- "He kept his keys in his coat pocket."
- "I’ll keep the receipt in case I need to return it."
- "Keep the door locked when you leave."
To manage, control, or supervise something or someone.
Examples
- "He kept the team organized during the project."
- "The guards kept watch over the entrance."
- "She has to keep the children under control during the meeting."
- "He kept his emotions in check during the interview."
- "The manager is keeping the records updated regularly."
To cause something to continue or persist.
Examples
- "Please keep the noise down; others are studying."
- "The concert will keep going despite the rain."
- "They kept talking for hours after the event ended."
- "He kept pushing forward until the project was finished."
- "Keep practicing until you master the skill."
To protect or preserve something from harm or loss.
Examples
- "The doctor told him to keep the wound clean."
- "Make sure to keep the fragile items in a safe place."
- "They kept the documents in a locked drawer for security."
- "She kept her promise to help him with the project."
- "The museum keeps rare artifacts in temperature-controlled rooms."
Cultural Context
The word 'keep' originates from Old English 'cēpan,' meaning 'to seize, hold, or care for,' and has evolved to cover a wide range of meanings in modern English. It is a highly versatile verb, used in both literal and metaphorical senses.
The Keeper of Secrets
Story
The Keeper of Secrets
In a small village surrounded by tall, ancient trees, there lived an old man named Elias who was known as 'the keeper.' For years, he had kept the village's most valuable secrets safe, ensuring that only the chosen few knew the hidden truths of their history. One day, a young woman named Clara came to him seeking answers about her lineage, her family’s legacy lost to time. As she sat across from him in his dimly lit cottage, Elias spoke softly, 'I keep the stories of the past not for the world, but for the ones who seek them.' Clara’s curiosity grew. 'But how do you keep them so well?' she asked. Elias smiled. 'By keeping them locked in the heart, where no one can take them.' Clara’s journey was only beginning. As Elias showed her the old book where their family’s story was written, Clara realized that to keep something isn’t just to hide it—it's to nurture it, protect it, and allow it to continue to live through the years. As they walked through the forest that evening, Elias kept pointing out signs of the past—hidden paths, forgotten stones—that no one had noticed in years. Later, as the sun set, Clara finally understood. She had not only learned about her family but had also discovered what it meant to keep something alive, whether it be memories, promises, or even the love for a place. In her heart, she knew she was now a keeper too. And with that realization, Clara promised to protect the village’s secrets for generations to come, ensuring the knowledge would never be lost again.
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