keepsake

IPA

Dictionary definition of keepsake

An item, object, or memento that holds sentimental value and is cherished for its connection to a person, event, or memory.
"She held onto the necklace as a cherished keepsake from her grandmother."

Detailed meaning of keepsake

It serves as a tangible reminder, preserving the essence of a significant experience or relationship. Keepsakes are often chosen or acquired with the intention of being kept and treasured, representing a deep emotional attachment or significance. They can be personal belongings, such as a piece of jewelry, a handwritten letter, or a photograph, which evoke nostalgia and evoke powerful emotions when observed or held. Keepsakes play a crucial role in capturing and preserving the essence of moments, allowing us to revisit and relive cherished memories, and providing a source of comfort and solace during times of longing or loss. Whether passed down through generations or obtained during specific occasions, keepsakes hold the power to symbolize love, remembrance, and the enduring connections we forge throughout our lives.

Example sentences of keepsake

1. The old pocket watch was a valuable keepsake passed down through generations.
2. I keep this letter as a keepsake of our friendship and the memories we shared.
3. The faded photograph served as a precious keepsake of their wedding day.
4. Each seashell collected on the beach became a treasured keepsake from their summer vacation.
5. The worn-out teddy bear was a beloved childhood keepsake.
6. He carefully wrapped the delicate porcelain figurine to protect it as a keepsake from his travels.

History and etymology of keepsake

The noun 'keepsake' carries a captivating etymology that harks back to the late 18th century. It is formed by combining two words: 'keep,' which we explored earlier with its Old English and Proto-Germanic origins denoting retention and guarding, and 'sake,' which is derived from the Middle English word 'sake' meaning cause or purpose. This Middle English 'sake' itself has its roots in the Old English 'sacu,' signifying a matter, dispute, or cause. Therefore, when we delve into the etymology of 'keepsake,' we discover that it essentially means an item kept for the sake of a specific purpose or reason, specifically referring to something cherished for its sentimental value and its connection to a person, event, or memory, which has remained consistent throughout its linguistic journey.

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Further usage examples of keepsake

1. The small lock of hair preserved in a locket was a sentimental keepsake of their child's first haircut.
2. The ticket stub from their first concert together held sentimental value as a keepsake.
3. She tucked the pressed flower into a book, using it as a keepsake from a special date.
4. The leather-bound journal was a keepsake filled with cherished memories and personal reflections.
5. The engraved bracelet served as a keepsake to commemorate their anniversary.
6. The engraved keychain was a meaningful keepsake given as a parting gift.
7. The hand-painted ceramic mug was a keepsake from a memorable trip abroad.
8. The vintage postcard served as a keepsake from a picturesque destination.
9. The photo album was filled with keepsakes capturing moments of joy and celebration.
10. The handwritten recipe card became a keepsake, passed down through generations.
11. The concert ticket signed by the artist became a cherished keepsake.
12. The pressed leaf framed on the wall served as a keepsake from their favorite hiking trail.
13. The worn-out baby blanket was a keepsake that symbolized the early years of their child's life.
14. A faded photograph can be a cherished keepsake of days gone by.
15. Grandma's locket, a family keepsake, holds secrets of the past.
16. The worn teddy bear was a beloved childhood keepsake.
17. He treasured the old watch as a keepsake from his late father.
18. The love letters they exchanged became a precious keepsake.
19. Each ticket stub was a keepsake of unforgettable concerts.
20. The engraved ring served as a keepsake of their wedding day.
21. In her attic, she discovered a hidden trove of keepsakes.
22. The journal, a keepsake of her travels, held memories aplenty.
23. They exchanged keepsakes as tokens of their enduring friendship.
24. The antique pocket watch was a keepsake of bygone eras.