Keep vs. Save: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 27, 2023
"Keep" refers to maintaining possession or care of something, while "Save" means to set aside or rescue from harm.
Key Differences
"Keep" and "Save" are both verbs that share similarities in usage, but they hold distinctive nuances. The word "Keep" implies the act of retaining possession or continuing a particular condition, behavior, or practice. When one decides to keep an object, they're deciding to have it in their possession for an indefinite period. Similarly, if someone says they will keep doing something, they intend to continue that behavior or action.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
"Save", on the other hand, carries the connotation of rescuing or preserving from harm, loss, or destruction. In the context of money, to save means to set aside a portion of one's earnings for future use. It could also imply preventing waste, as in saving time or saving electricity. Additionally, the word can mean to store data in computer terminology or to rescue someone in distress, as in saving someone from drowning.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
While "Keep" often denotes a sense of routine, maintenance, or continuity, "Save" emphasizes preservation, rescue, or prevention of waste. For instance, one might keep a diary regularly, denoting a routine, whereas one might save a letter from a loved one, signifying its emotional value and the desire to protect it from loss.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
To elucidate further, consider the case of a document on a computer. When a user decides to "Keep" the document, it might mean they are retaining it for further use. But when they decide to "Save" it, they're ensuring the data gets stored and isn't lost due to unforeseen issues like power cuts.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
To retain or continue a particular state or possession.
To set aside, rescue from harm, or store for future use.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
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Contextual Usage
Maintaining a routine or possession.
Preserving, rescuing, or preventing waste.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Grammatical Role
Often used as a verb, but can also be a noun (e.g., keeper).
Primarily a verb, but can be a noun (e.g., savings).
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Level of Action
Implies a state of holding or continuation.
Suggests preservation, rescue, or prevention of loss.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
Keep and Save Definitions
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Save
To rescue from danger or harm.
The lifeguard managed to save the swimmer.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Save
To set aside or store, especially money.
I save a portion of my salary every month.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
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Save
To rescue from harm, danger, or loss
The lifeguard saved the struggling swimmer.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
To set free from the consequences of sin; redeem
Prayed to save his soul.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To provide (a family, for example) with maintenance and support
"There's little to earn and many to keep" (Charles Kingsley).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
To avoid spending (money or time) in an amount less than what circumstances normally require
Saved $25 at the sale.
Saved 15 minutes by taking a shortcut.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
To prevent the waste or loss of; conserve
Bought an efficient device that saves electricity.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
To treat with care by avoiding fatigue, wear, or damage; spare
Wore sunglasses to save his eyesight.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
To make unnecessary; obviate
By carrying two bags you can save an extra trip.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To cause to continue in a state, condition, or course of action
Tried to keep the patient calm.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
(Sports) To prevent (a goal) from being scored by blocking a shot. Used of a goalie.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
(Baseball) To preserve (another pitcher's win) by protecting one's team's lead during a stint of relief pitching.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To restrain
Kept the child away from the stove.
Kept the crowd back with barriers.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
(Computers) To copy (a file) from a computer's main memory to a disk or other storage medium.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
With the exception of; except
"No man enjoys self-reproach save a masochist" (Philip Wylie).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To remain in a state or condition; stay
Keep in line.
Keep quiet.
Kept well.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
Were it not; except
The house would be finished by now, save that we had difficulty contracting a roofer.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To restrain oneself; hold oneself back
I couldn't keep from eavesdropping.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
To help (somebody) to survive, or rescue (somebody or something) from harm.
She was saved from drowning by a passer-by.
We were able to save a few of our possessions from the house fire.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
(Christianity) To redeem or protect someone from eternal damnation.
Jesus Christ came to save sinners.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To continue in (a course or mode of action); to not intermit or fall from; to uphold or maintain.
To keep silence;
To keep possession
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
(baseball) To preserve, as a relief pitcher, (a win of another pitcher's on one's team) by defending the lead held when the other pitcher left the game.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To remain faithful to a given promise or word.
To keep one's word;
To keep one's promise
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
(transitive) To store for future use.
Let's save the packaging in case we need to send the product back.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To maintain possession of.
I keep a small stock of painkillers for emergencies.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
(transitive) To conserve or prevent the wasting of.
Save electricity by turning off the lights when you leave the room.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To maintain the condition of; to preserve in a certain state.
I keep my specimens under glass to protect them.
The abundance of squirrels kept the dogs running for hours.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
(transitive) To record transactions, accounts, or events in.
I used to keep a diary.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
To write a file to disk or other storage medium.
Where did I save that document? I can't find it on the desktop.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To restrain.
I keep my pet gerbil away from my brother.
Don't let me keep you; I know you have things to be doing.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
To refrain from romantic or (especially in later use) sexual relationships until one is married or is with a suitable partner.
She told me she's saving herself for marriage.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
(with from) To watch over, look after, guard, protect.
May the Lord keep you from harm.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To supply with necessities and financially support (a person).
He kept a mistress for over ten years.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
In various sports, a block that prevents an opponent from scoring.
The goaltender made a great save.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
(of living things) To raise; to care for.
He has been keeping orchids since retiring.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
(baseball) A successful attempt by a relief pitcher to preserve the win of another pitcher on one's team.
Jones retired seven to earn the save.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
A point in a professional wrestling match when one or more wrestlers run to the ring to aid a fellow wrestler who is being beaten.
The giant wrestler continued to beat down his smaller opponent, until several wrestlers ran in for the save.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
(informal) An action that brings one back out of an awkward situation.
Nice save.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
(computing) The act, process, or result of saving data to a storage medium.
If you're hit by a power cut, you'll lose all of your changes since your last save.
The game console can store up to eight saves on a single cartridge.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
(obsolete) To reside for a time; to lodge; to dwell.
She kept to her bed while the fever lasted.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To remain edible or otherwise usable.
Potatoes can keep if they are in a root cellar.
Latex paint won't keep indefinitely.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
(copulative) To remain in a state.
The rabbit avoided detection by keeping still.
Keep calm! There's no need to panic.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
To make safe; to procure the safety of; to preserve from injury, destruction, or evil of any kind; to rescue from impending danger; as, to save a house from the flames.
God save all this fair company.
He cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Thou hast . . . quitted all to saveA world from utter loss.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
Specifically, to deliver from sin and its penalty; to rescue from a state of condemnation and spiritual death, and bring into a state of spiritual life.
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
To keep from being spent or lost; to secure from waste or expenditure; to lay up; to reserve.
Now save a nation, and now save a groat.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
To rescue from something undesirable or hurtful; to prevent from doing something; to spare.
I'll save youThat labor, sir. All's now done.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
To hinder from doing, suffering, or happening; to obviate the necessity of; to prevent; to spare.
Will you not speak to save a lady's blush?
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
(transitive) To observe; to adhere to; to fulfill; to not swerve from or violate.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
To hold possession or use of; to escape loss of.
Just saving the tide, and putting in a stock of merit.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
To avoid unnecessary expense or expenditure; to prevent waste; to be economical.
Brass ordnance saveth in the quantity of the material.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To observe or celebrate (a holiday).
The feast of St. Stephen is kept on December 26.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
Except; excepting; not including; leaving out; deducting; reserving; saving.
Five times received I forty stripes save one.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
(historical) The main tower of a castle or fortress, located within the castle walls.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
The food or money required to keep someone alive and healthy; one's support, maintenance.
He works as a cobbler's apprentice for his keep.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
(sports) the act of preventing the opposition from scoring;
The goalie made a brilliant save
The relief pitcher got credit for a save
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
(obsolete) The act or office of keeping; custody; guard; care; heed; charge; notice.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
The state of being kept; hence, the resulting condition; case.
To be in good keep
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
To keep up and reserve for personal or special use;
She saved the old family photographs in a drawer
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
Bring into safety;
We pulled through most of the victims of the bomb attack
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
(engineering) A cap for holding something, such as a journal box, in place.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To hold; to restrain from departure or removal; not to let go of; to retain in one's power or possession; not to lose; to retain; to detain.
If we lose the field,We can not keep the town.
That I may know what keeps me here with you.
If we would weigh and keep in our minds what we are considering, that would instruct us.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
Make unnecessary an expenditure or effort;
This will save money
I'll save you the trouble
This will save you a lot of time
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To cause to remain in a given situation or condition; to maintain unchanged; to hold or preserve in any state or tenor.
His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal.
Keep a stiff rein, and move but gently on.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To have in custody; to have in some place for preservation; to take charge of.
The crown of Stephanus, first king of Hungary, was always kept in the castle of Vicegrade.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To preserve from danger, harm, or loss; to guard.
Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
Spend sparingly, avoid the waste of;
This move will save money
The less fortunate will have to economize now
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To preserve from discovery or publicity; not to communicate, reveal, or betray, as a secret.
Great are thy virtues . . . though kept from man.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
Retain rights to;
Keep my job for me while I give birth
Keep my seat, please
Keep open the possibility of a merger
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To attend upon; to have the care of; to tend.
And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden, to dress it and to keep it.
In her girlish age, she kept sheep on the moor.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To record transactions, accounts, or events in; as, to keep books, a journal, etc.; also, to enter (as accounts, records, etc. ) in a book.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Save
To store data in a computing context.
Don't forget to save your work on the computer.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Keep
To maintain, as an establishment, institution, or the like; to conduct; to manage; as, to keep store.
Like a pedant that keeps a school.
Every one of them kept house by himself.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To have in one's service; to have and maintain, as an assistant, a servant, a mistress, a horse, etc.
I keep but three men and a boy.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To continue in, as a course or mode of action; not to intermit or fall from; to hold to; to maintain; as, to keep silence; to keep one's word; to keep possession.
Both day and night did we keep company.
Within this portal as I kept my watch.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To observe; to adhere to; to fulfill; not to swerve from or violate; to practice or perform, as duty; not to neglect; to be faithful to.
I have kept the faith.
Him whom to love is to obey, and keepHis great command.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To confine one's self to; not to quit; to remain in; as, to keep one's house, room, bed, etc.; hence, to haunt; to frequent.
'Tis hallowed ground;Fairies, and fawns, and satyrs do it keep.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To observe duly, as a festival, etc.; to celebrate; to solemnize; as, to keep a feast.
I went with them to the house of God . . . with a multitude that kept holyday.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To remain in any position or state; to continue; to abide; to stay; as, to keep at a distance; to keep aloft; to keep near; to keep in the house; to keep before or behind; to keep in favor; to keep out of company, or out reach.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To last; to endure; to remain unimpaired.
If the malt be not thoroughly dried, the ale it makes will not keep.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To reside for a time; to lodge; to dwell.
Knock at his study, where, they say, he keeps.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
To take care; to be solicitous; to watch.
Keep that the lusts choke not the word of God that is in us.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
The act or office of keeping; custody; guard; care; heed; charge.
Pan, thou god of shepherds all,Which of our tender lambkins takest keep.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
The state of being kept; hence, the resulting condition; case; as, to be in good keep.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
The means or provisions by which one is kept; maintenance; support; as, the keep of a horse.
Grass equal to the keep of seven cows.
I performed some services to the college in return for my keep.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
That which keeps or protects; a stronghold; a fortress; a castle; specifically, the strongest and securest part of a castle, often used as a place of residence by the lord of the castle, especially during a siege; the dungeon. See Illust. of Castle.
The prison strong,Within whose keep the captive knights were laid.
The lower chambers of those gloomy keeps.
I think . . . the keep, or principal part of a castle, was so called because the lord and his domestic circle kept, abode, or lived there.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
That which is kept in charge; a charge.
Often he used of his keepA sacrifice to bring.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
The financial means whereby one lives;
Each child was expected to pay for their keep
He applied to the state for support
He could no longer earn his own livelihood
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
Keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g.,
Keep clean
Hold in place
She always held herself as a lady
The students keep me on my toes
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
Continue a certain state, condition, or activity;
Keep on working!
We continued to work into the night
Keep smiling
We went on working until well past midnight
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
Retain possession of;
Can I keep my old stuffed animals?
She kept her maiden name after she married
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
Prevent from doing something or being in a certain state;
We must prevent the cancer from spreading
His snoring kept me from falling asleep
Keep the child from eating the marbles
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
Conform one's action or practice to;
Keep appointments
She never keeps her promises
We kept to the original conditions of the contract
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
Observe correctly or closely;
The pianist kept time with the metronome
Keep count
I cannot keep track of all my employees
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
Look after; be the keeper of; have charge of;
He keeps the shop when I am gone
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
Maintain by writing regular records;
Keep a diary
Maintain a record
Keep notes
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
Supply with room and board;
He is keeping three women in the guest cottage
Keep boarders
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
Allow to remain in a place or position;
We cannot continue several servants any longer
She retains a lawyer
The family's fortune waned and they could not keep their household staff
Our grant has run out and we cannot keep you on
We kept the work going as long as we could
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
Supply with necessities and support;
She alone sustained her family
The money will sustain our good cause
There's little to earn and many to keep
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
Celebrate, as of holidays or rites;
Keep the commandments
Celebrate Christmas
Observe Yom Kippur
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
Keep under control; keep in check;
Suppress a smile
Keep your temper
Keep your cool
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
Retain rights to;
Keep my job for me while I give birth
Keep my seat, please
Keep open the possibility of a merger
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
Have as a supply;
I always keep batteries in the freezer
Keep food for a week in the pantry
She keeps a sixpack and a week's worth of supplies in the refrigerator
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
Keep
Maintain for use and service;
I keep a car in the countryside
She keeps an apartment in Paris for her shopping trips
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 14, 2023
FAQs
Can "Keep" refer to defending or guarding?
Yes, as in phrases like "keep the gate" or "keep watch".
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can "Save" be used in the context of exceptions?
Yes, like in "All were present, save for John."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can "Keep" refer to a routine?
Yes, "Keep" can denote maintaining or continuing a routine or behavior.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is "Save" used in technology contexts?
Yes, often in terms of storing or backing up data, as in "save a file".
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Can "Keep" mean to provide care?
Absolutely, as in "She keeps a garden" or "They keep bees".
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Does "Keep" always imply forever?
Not necessarily. "Keep" implies retention but not always permanently.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Does "Save" always refer to money?
No, "Save" can mean preserving anything from harm or setting aside for future use.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can "Keep" denote a state or condition?
Yes, as in "keep quiet" or "keep still".
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
What's the difference between a keepsake and something saved?
A keepsake is an item kept for sentimental reasons, while something saved is preserved from harm or loss.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can "Save" refer to a rescue?
Yes, like saving someone from a dangerous situation.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Does "Keep" suggest ownership?
Often, as retaining possession implies having ownership or responsibility.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Is "Save" always about preventing negative outcomes?
Mostly, but it can also mean setting aside or storing positively, as in savings for a vacation.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is "Save" synonymous with "protect"?
In many contexts, yes, especially when referring to preventing harm.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
How does "Save" relate to discounts?
It can denote a reduction in price or cost, as in "save 20% on your purchase".
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Can "Keep" be a noun?
Yes, as in "a castle's keep", though it's less common than its verb form.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
