keep
Verb
UK/kiːp/US/kiːp/
To retain possession of something; to continue to have or hold something without giving it away or losing it; also to continue doing something or to remain in a certain condition.
Example Sentences
I’ll keep your book safe until you return.
They decided to keep the old house rather than sell it.
You should keep your energy up by taking short breaks throughout the day.
I try to keep my workspace organized to stay focused on my tasks.
He told me to keep calm and handle the situation rationally.
Please keep an open mind while we discuss these proposals.
Realizing the importance of consistency, she reminded herself to keep practicing the piano daily, even if only for a few minutes, in order to steadily improve her technique.
Whenever he felt discouraged, he would remember his long-term goals and keep moving forward, determined to overcome each obstacle and stay on the path he had chosen.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun
UK/kiːp/US/kiːp/
The strongest or central tower of a medieval castle, used as a final defensive refuge; also a place of secure storage.
Example Sentences
The castle’s keep stood tall, overlooking the surrounding countryside.
When enemies attacked, villagers would seek shelter in the keep.
He visited an ancient ruin to explore the remains of its old keep.
The keep was believed to house precious artifacts from centuries ago.
Inside the keep, corridors wound through thick walls to secret chambers.
The keep functioned as both a defensive structure and a symbol of power for the ruling family.
Tourists marveled at the keep’s massive stonework, reflecting a bygone era when such fortifications were essential for survival.
Legends claimed that the royal treasury, filled with gold and priceless jewels, remained hidden in a secret chamber deep within the castle’s keep, though treasure hunters had never successfully located it.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Means to retain, continue, or maintain possession or practice.“Keep” is a versatile verb used in multiple contexts. Most simply, it means to hold onto something physically or metaphorically—like “keep a book,” “keep a secret,” or “keep faith.” In daily life, you might say “Keep the door closed” if you want the door to remain shut, or “Keep calm” if you want someone to maintain composure. It can express both action and state: you can keep doing a specific activity, or you might choose to keep something in a particular place. In instructions or guidelines, “keep” often implies an ongoing effort, such as “Keep up the good work,” highlighting the need to continue a positive behavior. Similarly, “keep in touch” is a way of asking someone to maintain contact over time. In business or organizational contexts, “keep records” emphasizes systematic documentation. Whether you’re describing a physical act, like “keep the box under your bed,” or a more abstract concept, like “keep your promises,” the core idea remains constant: you’re preserving a state, practice, or possession. Grammatically, “keep” is commonly followed by nouns or pronouns indicating what is being retained (e.g., “Keep your valuables safe”), but it can also be followed by a gerund to show continued action (e.g., “Keep running”). It can combine with adverbs or prepositional phrases to specify location, manner, or extent: “Keep away from the edge,” or “Keep going until you reach the gate.” Mastering these structures allows you to specify exactly what should be preserved, maintained, or continued, making “keep” a pragmatic verb across a wide range of scenarios.
Alternatives
A number of synonyms can stand in for “keep,” though each may carry slightly different nuances. “Hold” focuses on physically or mentally gripping something, as in “hold onto the railing.” “Retain” feels more formal, suggesting the idea of preservation—“The museum aims to retain its classic look.” “Maintain” indicates ongoing effort or condition, such as “He tries to maintain a healthy diet.” If you need to capture the idea of continuing a behavior, “continue” works, as in “Continue exercising daily.” When referring to following instructions or promises, “adhere to,” “abide by,” or “stick to” might apply: “We must stick to the rules.” If you want to highlight an emotional attachment, “cherish” or “treasure” can convey that you’re holding onto something valuable: “She cherishes that old watch.” Likewise, “preserve” can underline the act of keeping something intact over time—like a tradition or artifact. Each of these synonyms converges around the central idea of not letting go, yet each word can sharpen or soften the meaning based on context. In casual speech, you can also use phrases like “hang onto,” “hold onto,” or “hang in there,” which imply endurance or perseverance, depending on context. Ultimately, your choice depends on the degree of formality, the object you’re describing, and the emotional or practical weight behind the act of ‘keeping.’ By selecting the right synonym, you can shade your meaning more precisely—whether you’re discussing a carefully guarded secret, a high-maintenance practice, or a treasured family heirloom.
Writing
When writing with the verb “keep,” aim for clarity about what exactly is being retained, preserved, or continued. If you’re conveying a physical sense—like storing something—be explicit about location or manner (e.g., “Keep the file in a secure drawer”). When referencing an abstract concept—such as “keep a promise” or “keep hope alive”—attach enough context so the reader understands the significance of holding onto that intangible element. In formal or academic writing, “keep” appears in contexts like “keep data,” “keep records,” or “keep documents,” highlighting systematic preservation or documentation. These contexts benefit from specificity—“The researchers must keep detailed logs for accuracy.” In creative or narrative pieces, “keep” can reflect emotional depth: “She couldn’t keep the tears from falling,” or “He kept his guilt locked away,” which reveals the character’s internal state. Overusing “keep” can dilute your writing’s impact. If you find you’ve used it repeatedly within a paragraph, consider synonyms—“maintain,” “hold onto,” “retain”—to add variety. Always ensure readers understand who is doing the keeping and what is being kept. Placing relevant details right after “keep” or early in the sentence keeps your writing precise and helps avoid confusion. Last, watch out for the distinction between transitive uses (“Keep something valuable”) and intransitive senses (like “Keep going”), as each requires different grammatical handling. With these approaches, “keep” remains a straightforward yet flexible verb, suitable in everything from instruction manuals to personal essays.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, “keep” is a friendly, everyday verb that can take on numerous meanings depending on context. A simple imperative like “Keep calm” or “Keep quiet” directs someone to maintain a certain state. You might tell a friend, “Keep me in the loop,” signaling that you’d like ongoing updates about a shared interest or plan. When praising someone, you can say “Keep it up!” to encourage them to continue a positive habit or good work. It’s also common to talk about preserving items, like “Should I keep this old photo album?” or “Keep your keys in your pocket so you don’t lose them.” If you’re reminding friends about responsibilities, short phrases like “Keep an eye on the time” or “Keep track of your spending” are quick ways to convey the idea of monitoring or not letting something slip by. In daily chats or texts, “keep” can also overlap with emotional contexts. Telling someone, “Keep your spirits high” or “Keep the faith” conveys moral support. And if you’re sharing a responsibility, you might hear “Keep a lookout,” urging someone to stay vigilant. Because it’s short, direct, and easy to apply across scenarios, “keep” remains a cornerstone of casual English dialogue, effectively connecting with others about retaining, maintaining, or continuing something they value or watch over.
Etymology
The verb “keep” originates from the Old English term “cēpan,” which once meant “to observe” or “to heed,” later evolving toward “to hold” or “to store.” It’s closely tied to other Germanic languages that use similarly structured words conveying the idea of seizing, controlling, or preserving. Over time, English adjusted spellings and broadened meanings, embedding “keep” in contexts ranging from physical holding (“keep a box”) to abstract maintenance (“keep a promise”). By the Middle Ages, “keep” had also taken on the noun form, referring to the inner stronghold of a castle—a “keep” was literally where one held or protected valuables and people. This connotation of safeguarding and protection bled into the verb usage, reinforcing the idea of retention. As modern English shaped itself, “keep” became a multifunctional root word, capable of linking with prepositions or adverbs, such as “keep up,” “keep on,” or “keep away,” each shade capturing a nuance of holding on or continuing. This flexibility signals how integral “keep” is to the evolution of English, reflecting the language’s historical mingling of function, utility, and everyday necessity.
