well-preserved
|well-pre-served|
🇺🇸
/ˌwɛl prɪˈzɝːvd/
🇬🇧
/ˌwɛl prɪˈzɜːvd/
kept in notably good condition
Etymology
'well-preserved' originates from English, combining the adverb 'well' and the past participle adjective 'preserved', which traces back to Latin 'prae-' meaning 'before' and 'servare' meaning 'to keep'.
'preserve' passed from Old French 'preserver' and Latin 'praeservare' into Middle English 'preserven'; the compound adjective 'well-preserved' formed in Modern English by prefixing 'well-' to the participial adjective 'preserved'.
Initially, it meant 'kept safe or unharmed'; it broadened to describe objects remaining in good condition and people who look youthful for their age.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
kept in good condition; showing little damage or decay despite age or exposure.
The site contains a well-preserved Roman amphitheater.
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Adjective 2
of a person, looking younger or healthier than one's actual age.
At 70, he is remarkably well-preserved.
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Last updated: 2025/08/10 07:41