kept
/kɛpt/To maintain possession or control of something
He kept the secret for years.
He maintained control over the secret without revealing it.
Often used with objects, information, or commitments.
To retain someone or something in a particular state or condition
The doctor kept the patient calm during the procedure.
The doctor ensured the patient remained calm throughout.
Can imply maintaining a state of mind or physical condition.
To continue to have or hold something
She kept her job despite the company's struggles.
She continued to hold her position despite difficulties.
Often used to describe persistence in a role or situation.
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💡Pro Tip
Common Collocations
'Keep' is often paired with prepositions like 'on', 'up', or 'away' to form common expressions.
⚡Gold Rule
Past Tense Usage
'Kept' is the past tense and past participle of 'keep'. Use it to describe actions that were completed in the past.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'kepen', from Old English 'cēpan', meaning to watch over or guard.
📝Usage Notes
The past tense and past participle of 'keep'. Often used with prepositions like 'on', 'up', or 'away'.