preserve
verb (used with object)
to keep alive or in existence; make lasting.
had preserved
-
past perfectof preserve.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Administrators said the sale had preserved 733 jobs - but that 484 jobs had been lost and 38 bars had closed after they were not included in the rescue deal.
From BBC ● May 23, 2026
The organization had preserved these cans over many years for quality control but eventually no longer needed them.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 1, 2026
Kevin had preserved enough savings to hire a private investigator, John Powers of Hudson Intelligence, to follow the financial trail.
From Salon ● Jun. 26, 2025
The sticky birch tar plug and waterlogged soil had preserved the bone container and its contents over the centuries.
From Science Magazine ● Feb. 7, 2024
The practice had preserved peace for two hundred years.
From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine
