keeper
/'ki:pə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A person who is responsible for guarding, maintaining, or taking care of something or someone: This is the core meaning, referring to someone in charge of the care, custody, or management of a place, object, animal, or person.
- A person who owns or manages a business, especially a pub: Used informally, particularly in British English.
- A part of a mechanism that prevents another part from moving: A technical meaning, such as a catch or a fastener.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Caretaker):
- The zookeeper feeds the lions every morning.
- He works as a lighthouse keeper on a remote island.
- Noun (Manager/Owner):
- Ask the keeper for another pint of beer.
- Noun (Mechanical part):
- The latch has a small keeper to hold it in place.
Advanced Usage
- "Am I my brother's keeper?": A proverbial phrase from the Bible (Genesis 4:9), used rhetorically to question the extent of one's responsibility for another person.
- When his neighbor asked for constant help, he wondered, "Am I my brother's keeper?"
- "A real keeper": An informal idiom describing something (or, less commonly, someone) of excellent quality that is worth keeping.
- This vintage car is a real keeper; it runs perfectly.
- She's a real keeper; you should treat her well. (Note: While used, this application to people can be considered objectifying.)
Variants and Related Words
- Keep (verb): To have or retain possession of; to continue in a specified condition.
- Please keep this secret.
- Keeping (noun): The action of owning, maintaining, or protecting something.
- The keeping of historical records is important.
- Gamekeeper (noun): A person employed to breed and protect game, typically on an estate.
- The gamekeeper patrols the woods to prevent poaching.
- Goalkeeper (noun): A player in soccer or hockey who defends the goal.
- The goalkeeper made a fantastic save.
- Housekeeper (noun): A person employed to manage a household.
- The housekeeper ensures the home is clean and orderly.
Synonyms
- Caretaker: A person employed to look after a building or a person.
- Guardian: A defender, protector, or keeper.
- Custodian: A person who has responsibility for or looks after something.
- Warden: A person responsible for the supervision of a particular place or thing.
Related Phrases
- To be a keeper: To be worth keeping or retaining. Often used for objects or ideas.
- That joke is a keeper; I'm going to remember it.
- Keeper of the peace: An official responsible for maintaining public order (e.g., a judge or historical officer).
Related Idioms
- Finders keepers (losers weepers): A children's saying claiming that whoever finds something is entitled to keep it.
- He picked up the coin and shouted, "Finders keepers!"
Noun
- one having charge of buildings or grounds or animals
- someone in charge of other people
- am I my brother's keeper?