keepsake etymology

Etymology

The word "keepsake" is derived from two sources:

  • "Keep": From the Old English "cepan," meaning "to hold, retain, or preserve."
  • "Sake": From the Old English "sacu," meaning "thing, object, or sake."

Meaning

A keepsake is an object of sentimental value that is kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event. It is often a small, tangible item that can be easily carried or displayed.

Origin

The term "keepsake" first appeared in the early 17th century. It was originally used to refer to a favor or gift given to a guest at a wedding or other special occasion. Over time, its meaning expanded to include any object that was cherished and kept for sentimental reasons.

Usage

The word "keepsake" is commonly used in the following contexts:

  • Personal items: Jewelry, photographs, letters, and other objects that have sentimental value to the owner.
  • Souvenirs: Items that are bought or collected as a reminder of a trip or experience.
  • Gifts: Objects given to someone to commemorate a special occasion or relationship.

Related Words

  • Memorabilia: A collection of items that relate to a person, place, or event.
  • Relic: A fragment or remnant of a past object or event that is kept for its historical or sentimental value.
  • Token: A small object given as a symbol of affection, gratitude, or remembrance.

keepsake relate terms

  • keep

    Etymology Derived from the Middle English word kepen meaning to hold or guard Me

  • namesake

    Etymology The word namesake is derived from two Old English words Name A word or s

  • name

    Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It is a branch of historica

  • sake

    Etymology of Sake The word sake 酒 originates from the Old Japanese word saka 酒

  • sake

    Etymology of Sake The word sake 酒 originates from the Old Japanese word saka 酒

  • seek

    Etymology From Middle English seken sekyn from Old English sēčan sēcian from Pro

  • case

    Etymology The word case derives from the Old French word cas which in turn comes fro

  • cause

    Etymology The word cause derives from the Old French word cause which itself comes f

  • souvenir

    Etymology The word souvenir is derived from the French word souvenir which means t

  • token

    Etymology The word token originates from the Latin verb tangere meaning to touch

  • relic

    Etymology Middle English relike Old French relique Latin reliquia a thing left beh

  • memento

    Etymology Latin memento reminder memorandum Meaning A reminder or souvenir o

  • remembrance

    Etymology Old French remembrance Late Latin rememorāre to call to mind Latin re

  • object

    Etymology The word object derives from the Latin word objectum which means somethin

  • favor

    Etymology The word favor originates from the Old French word faveur which in turn co

  • family

    Etymology The word family comes from the Old French word famille which in turn deriv

  • necromancy

    Etymology The term necromancy comes from the Greek words nekros νεκρός mean

  • necessary

    Etymology Necessary from Latin necessarius meaning indispensable inevitable Mea