区别辨析keep、retain、reserve、preserve、conserve与withhold

keep、retain、reserve、preserve、conserve与withhold这些动词均有“保持、保存”之意。

keep : 最常用词,指长时间牢固地保持或保存。

  • Do you want this photograph back or can I keep it?
    你想要回这张照片,还是我留着它?
  • Keep medicines in a locked cupboard (= store them there).
    将药存放在上锁的橱柜里。

retain : 指继续保持。

  • She has lost her battle to retain control of the company.
    她被打败了,失去了继续掌管公司的权力。
  • He managed to retain his dignity throughout the performance.
    在整个表演过程中,他设法保持了自己的尊严。

reserve : 正式用词,指为了将来的用途或其他用途而保存、保留。

  • I reserve Mondays for tidying my desk and answering letters.
    我把周一的时间留出来专门清理办公桌和回复信件。
  • These seats are reserved for the elderly and women with babies.
    这些座位是专留给老人和抱小孩的妇女的。
  • I reserve judgment on this issue (= I won't give an opinion on it now) until we have more information.
    在我们得到更多的信息之前,我暂不对此事发表意见。

preserve : 主要指为防止损害、变质等而保存。

  • to preserve the environment
    保护环境
  • We want to preserve the character of the town while improving the facilities.
    我们想在改善市镇设施的同时保持其特色。
  • The agreement preserved our right to limit trade in endangered species.
    这项协议保留了我们限制濒危物种贸易的权利。

conserve : 一般指保存自然资源,保全人的精力、力量等。

  • To conserve electricity, we are cutting down on our heating.
    为了省电,我们在减少中央供热。
  • The nationalists are very eager to conserve their customs and language.
    民族主义者非常热衷于保留他们的习俗和语言。
  • I'm not being lazy - I'm just conserving my energy/strength for later.
    我不是在偷懒——我只是在为以后保存精力/体力。

withhold : 指扣住不放,暗示有阻碍。

  • to withhold information/support
    拒绝提供消息/给予支持
  • During the trial, the prosecution was accused of withholding crucial evidence from the defence.
    审判期间,原告方被指控对被告方隐瞒了十分重要的证据。
  • Police are withholding the dead woman's name until her relatives have been informed.
    在通知女性死者的亲属之前,警方拒绝透露她的名字。