What's the difference between these words:preserve,retain,conserve and maintain ? Thanks!
What's the difference between these words:preserve,retain,conserve and maintain ?
Thanks!

Question

Answer

Several of these words have several meanings, but looking at the core common meanings:
1.preserve=keep safe
2.retain=hold fixed, keep in place, keep possession of
3.conserve=keep from harm or loss or decay
4.maintain=cause to continue; continue in possession...

Answer

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Answer

The main meaning of each word is:

preserve  (1) To maintain in safety from injury, peril, or harm; protect.
              (2) To treat fruit or other foods so as to prevent decay.
retain      To maintain possession of. (Synonyms: keep)
conserve  To protect from loss or harm; preserve. 
               (calls to conserve our national heritage in the face of bewildering change)
maintain   To keep up or carry on; continue
               (maintain good relations)

(Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/maintain)