keeping
/ˈkiːpɪŋ/To maintain possession or control of something; to retain or preserve something in a particular state.
She is keeping the secret safe.
She is maintaining the secret without revealing it.
He is keeping the room clean.
He is maintaining the room in a clean state.
Often used with prepositions like 'up', 'on', 'off', or 'away' to specify the action.
To look after or take care of someone or something.
She is keeping the children while their parents are away.
She is taking care of the children in their parents' absence.
He is keeping the dog for a friend.
He is looking after the dog for a friend.
Can imply responsibility or guardianship.
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💡Pro Tip
Common Collocations
Remember that 'keeping' often pairs with prepositions like 'up', 'on', 'off', and 'away' to convey specific actions.
⚡Gold Rule
Present Participle vs. Gerund
'Keeping' can function as both a present participle (e.g., 'She is keeping the secret') and a gerund (e.g., 'Keeping secrets is important').
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'keepen', from Old English 'cēpan', meaning 'to seize, hold, or observe'. Related to Old Norse 'kæpa' and Old High German 'keban'.
📝Usage Notes
The word 'keeping' is the present participle and gerund form of 'keep'. It is commonly used in continuous tenses and as a noun in phrases like 'keeping up appearances'.