Reserve vs. Preserve — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 30, 2023
"Reserve" often means to set something aside for future use, while "Preserve" means to maintain or protect something in its existing state. Both indicate retaining, but the latter emphasizes protection or conservation.
Difference Between Reserve and Preserve
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Reserve" is a versatile word that frequently signifies the act of setting something aside, whether it's a table at a restaurant or a portion of resources. "Preserve", on the other hand, underscores the act of keeping something safe or maintaining it in its original or unspoiled state. While "Reserve" implies allocation for future utilization, "Preserve" indicates active protection.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
In environmental contexts, a "Reserve" might be an area set aside for specific purposes like research or indigenous community use. A "Preserve", however, is often a region where nature is protected from harmful human activities. Both terms highlight conservation but with different intentions.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
From a linguistic perspective, "Reserve" can be both a noun and a verb, denoting the action of reserving or the thing being reserved. "Preserve" functions similarly, representing both the action of preserving and the thing or place being preserved. Yet, while "Reserve" might hint at potential future use, "Preserve" emphasizes a current state's continuation.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
To set aside for future use
To maintain or protect in its existing state
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Sep 30, 2023
Environmental Context
An area for specific purposes
An area protected from harm
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Sep 30, 2023
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Linguistic Function
Both a noun and verb, hinting at future use
Both a noun and verb, emphasizing current state
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Sep 30, 2023
Financial Context
Amounts set aside for future needs
Ensuring the safety and longevity of assets
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Sep 30, 2023
Definitions
Reserve
To set something aside for future use.
Please reserve two tickets for the evening show.
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Sep 30, 2023
Preserve
An area where nature or historic elements are protected.
The national preserve is a sanctuary for migratory birds.
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Sep 30, 2023
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Reserve
A backup supply or resource.
The army has a reserve of supplies for emergencies.
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Sep 30, 2023
Preserve
To prepare food for long-term storage.
My grandmother loves to preserve fruits as jams.
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Sep 30, 2023
Reserve
To keep back, as for future use or for a special purpose
The hospital reserves certain drugs for the most serious cases.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
To maintain or uphold certain conditions.
We must preserve the traditions passed down to us.
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Sep 30, 2023
Reserve
To set or cause to be set apart for a particular person or use
Reserved a seat on the next flight out.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
Something kept back or saved for future use or a special purpose
A runner with a reserve of energy for the final lap.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
To keep in perfect or unaltered condition; maintain unchanged
Fossils preserved in sediments.
A film preserved in the archives.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
An amount of capital that is not invested or otherwise used in order to meet probable demands, such as withdrawals by bank depositors or claims on insurance policies.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
Lack of enthusiasm, as from a misgiving or doubt
Supported the idea without reserve.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
To prepare (food) for storage or future use, as by canning or salting.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
Self-restraint in expression or bearing; reticence or coolness
Maintained a dignified reserve throughout the ceremony.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
To prevent (organic bodies) from decaying or spoiling
Preserved the specimen in a chemical solution.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
To protect (wildlife or natural resources) in a designated area, often for regulated hunting or fishing.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
An amount of a mineral, fossil fuel, or other resource known to exist in a particular location and to be exploitable
The discovery of large oil reserves.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
To maintain (an area) for the protection of wildlife or natural resources.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
The part of a country's armed forces not on active duty but subject to call in an emergency.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
To maintain an area for the protection of wildlife or natural resources.
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Reserve
A group of players that play only as substitutes for starters in games or are kept from playing for some reason.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
Often preserves Fruit cooked with sugar to protect against decay or fermentation.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
An area maintained for the protection of wildlife or natural resources.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
Something considered as being the exclusive province of certain persons
Ancient Greek is the preserve of scholars.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
The act of reserving or keeping back; reservation; exception.
The book is on reserve.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
Restraint of freedom in words or actions; backwardness; caution in personal behavior.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
To protect; to keep from harm or injury.
Every people have the right to preserve its identity and culture.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
A natural resource known to exist but not currently exploited.
New oil reserves are continuously being discovered, but not as fast as the existing ones are running out.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
To save from decay by the use of some preservative substance, such as sugar or salt; to season and prepare (fruits, meat, etc.) for storage.
To preserve peaches or grapes
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
A tract of land reserved, or set apart, for a particular purpose
The Connecticut Reserve in Ohio was originally set apart for the school fund of Connecticut.
The Clergy Reserves in Canada are for the support of the clergy.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
To maintain throughout; to keep intact.
To preserve appearances; to preserve silence
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
(Canada) A tract of land set apart for the use of an Aboriginal group; Indian reserve (compare US reservation.)
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
To keep or save from injury or destruction; to guard or defend from evil, harm, danger, etc.; to protect.
O Lord, thou preserved man and beast.
Now, good angels preserve the king.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
(military) A body of troops kept in the rear of an army drawn up for battle, reserved to support the other lines as occasion may require; a force or body of troops kept for an exigency.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
To save from decay by the use of some preservative substance, as sugar, salt, etc.; to season and prepare for remaining in a good state, as fruits, meat, etc.; as, to preserve peaches or grapes.
You can not preserve it from tainting.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
Funds kept on hand to meet planned or unplanned financial requirements.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
To maintain throughout; to keep intact; as, to preserve appearances; to preserve silence.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
(ceramics) Absence of color or decoration; the state of being left plain.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
That which is preserved; fruit, etc., seasoned and kept by suitable preparation; esp., fruit cooked with sugar; - commonly in the plural.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
(social) Something initially kept back for later use in a recreation.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
A place in which game, fish, etc., are preserved for purposes of sport, or for food.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
(sports) A member of a team who does not participate from the start of the game, but can be used to replace tired or injured team-mates.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
A domain that seems to be specially reserved for someone;
Medicine is no longer a male preserve
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Reserve
(card games) A group or pile of cards dealt out at the beginning of a patience or solitaire game to be used during play.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
In exhibitions, a distinction indicating that the recipient will get a prize in the event of another person being disqualified.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
Keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last;
Preserve the peace in the family
Continue the family tradition
Carry on the old traditions
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
A preparation used on an object being electroplated to fix the limits of the deposit.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
Keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction;
We preserve these archeological findings
The old lady could not keep up the building
Children must be taught to conserve our national heritage
The museum curator conserved the ancient manuscripts
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
To keep up and reserve for personal or special use;
She saved the old family photographs in a drawer
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
To keep in store for future or special use.
This cake is reserved for the guests!
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
To book in advance; to make a reservation.
I reserved a table for us at the best restaurant in town.
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
Keep undisturbed for personal or private use for hunting, shooting, or fishing;
Preserve the forest and the lakes
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Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
To keep something safe from harm or decay.
It's essential to preserve historical monuments for future generations.
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Sep 30, 2023
Reserve
Hence, to keep in store for future or special use; to withhold from present use for another purpose or time; to keep; to retain; to make a reservation{7}.
Hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, which I have reserved against the time of trouble?
Reserve your kind looks and language for private hours.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 15, 2020
Preserve
An act of ensuring something continues.
The museum's mission is the preserve of art and culture.
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Sep 30, 2023
Reserve
The act of reserving, or keeping back; reservation.
However any one may concur in the general scheme, it is still with certain reserves and deviations.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
That which is reserved, or kept back, as for future use.
The virgins, besides the oil in their lamps, carried likewise a reserve in some other vessel for a continual supply.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
That which is excepted; exception.
Each has some darling lust, which pleads for a reserve.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
Restraint of freedom in words or actions; backwardness; caution in personal behavior.
My soul, surprised, and from her sex disjoined,Left all reserve, and all the sex, behind.
The clergyman's shy and sensitive reserve had balked this scheme.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
A tract of land reserved, or set apart, for a particular purpose; as, the Connecticut Reserve in Ohio, originally set apart for the school fund of Connecticut; the Clergy Reserves in Canada, for the support of the clergy.
Fiza Rafique
Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
A body of troops in the rear of an army drawn up for battle, reserved to support the other lines as occasion may require; a force or body of troops kept for an exigency.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
That part of the assets of a bank or other financial institution specially kept in cash in a more or less liquid form as a reasonable provision for meeting all demands which may be made upon it;
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
In exhibitions, a distinction which indicates that the recipient will get a prize if another should be disqualified.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
A preparation used on an object being electroplated to fix the limits of the deposit.
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
(medicine) potential capacity to respond in order to maintain vital functions
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Reserve
Armed forces that are not on active duty but can be called in an emergency
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Reserve
The trait of being uncommunicative; not volunteering anything more than necessary
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
Hold back or set aside, especially for future use or contingency;
They held back their applause in anticipation
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
Give or assign a share of money or time to a particular person or cause;
I will earmark this money for your research
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
Obtain or arrange (for oneself) in advance;
We managed to reserve a table at Maxim's
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
Arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance;
Reserve me a seat on a flight
The agent booked tickets to the show for the whole family
Please hold a table at Maxim's
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
Kept in reserve especially for emergency use;
A reserve supply of food
A spare tire
Spare parts
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Feb 15, 2020
Reserve
A specified area for a particular purpose.
The wildlife reserve is home to many endangered species.
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Sep 30, 2023
Reserve
Restrained in words or actions.
She responded with a reserve, not showing her true feelings.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Reserve
A lack of warmth or openness in manner.
His reserve made it difficult for others to get to know him.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
FAQs
Can a nature "Reserve" also be a "Preserve"?
Yes, but a "Reserve" typically has specific purposes, while a "Preserve" focuses on protection.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
What's a "Reserve" in a financial context?
In finance, a "Reserve" refers to funds set aside for potential future needs.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Do "Reserve" and "Preserve" mean the same thing?
No, "Reserve" often means setting aside, while "Preserve" means maintaining or protecting.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Can "Preserve" relate to food?
Yes, "Preserve" can mean preparing food, like jams, for long-term storage.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
If I book a table, do I "Reserve" or "Preserve" it?
You "Reserve" it for future use.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
How does "Preserve" function in grammar?
Like "Reserve", "Preserve" can be both a noun and a verb.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Is a "Preserve" always about nature?
No, it can refer to any area or thing protected or maintained, including history or culture.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
In an emergency, would you use a "Reserve" or "Preserve"?
Typically, a "Reserve" as it refers to backup supplies or resources.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Is "Preserve" always a verb?
No, "Preserve" can also be a noun, referring to what's being protected.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Can "Reserve" relate to behavior?
Yes, "Reserve" can denote restraint or lack of openness in demeanor.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
How does "Reserve" function in grammar?
"Reserve" can be both a noun and a verb, depending on context.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Does "Preserve" always mean active protection?
Often, but it can also denote ensuring something continues or remains in its current state.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Can we use "Preserve" for traditions?
Yes, it can mean maintaining or upholding traditions.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Can an area be both a "Reserve" and "Preserve"?
Yes, if it's set aside for a specific purpose and also protected from harm.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Is "Reserve" always about physical spaces?
No, it can also refer to non-physical allocations like time or judgment.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
