keeping

[kee-ping]

noun

1. agreement or conformity in things or elements associated together.

   His actions are not in keeping with his words.

   Synonyms: harmony, congruity, consistency

2. the act of a person or thing that keeps; observance, custody, or care.

   Synonyms: guardianship, charge, protection

3. maintenance or keep.

4. holding, reserving, or retaining.

keeping

/ ˈkiːpɪŋ /

noun

1. conformity or harmony (esp in the phrases in or out of keeping )

2. charge or care

   valuables in the keeping of a bank

Word History and Origins

Origin of keeping¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, keeping is from the Middle English word keping. See keep, -ing ¹

Synonym Study

See custody.

Example Sentences

Shires pauses and says, “That’s what I wrote down for that. I don’t know if it’s any good or not,” and then hands the page to me for safe keeping.

From Los Angeles Times

He hopes to see the £1.5bn loan go towards keeping the supply chain running, and to workers left without wages.

From BBC

Experts say wildfires occur naturally in arid savannah and believe occasional wildfires are a necessary part of keeping ecosystems healthy - provided they are managed closely.

From BBC

In response, Plaid Cymru said Labour policies, including keeping the two-child benefit cap were costing working families.

From BBC

And it was down to the pair largely keeping calm in the face of American abuse, rarely rising to the bait and, ultimately, letting their golf do the talking.

From BBC