preservationist
|pres-er-va-tion-ist|
🇺🇸
/ˌprɛzərˈveɪʃənɪst/
🇬🇧
/ˌprɛzəˈveɪʃənɪst/
protect and keep
Etymology
'preservationist' originates from English, specifically formed from the noun 'preservation' plus the agent suffix '-ist', where 'preservation' derives from Latin elements meaning 'to keep beforehand' ('prae-' or 'pre-' meaning 'before' and 'servare' meaning 'to keep or guard').
'preservation' entered English via Latin 'praeservare'/'preservare' (and Old French influence) and developed into Middle English forms before becoming the modern English 'preservation'; the modern English agentive formation added '-ist' to produce 'preservationist'.
Initially the Latin root conveyed the literal idea 'to keep beforehand' or 'to guard'; over time this developed into the broader modern sense of 'maintaining or protecting (cultural or natural) things', and 'preservationist' now denotes a person who advocates or acts to preserve them.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who advocates for or works to preserve historic buildings, artifacts, and cultural heritage.
The preservationist argued that the old courthouse should be restored rather than demolished.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a person who supports protecting natural environments, wildlife, or ecological sites from damage or destruction.
As a preservationist, she campaigned to protect the wetlands from commercial development.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/22 02:47