kept

/ki:p/
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kept

She kept her promise to return the book on time.

Definition

Adjective 1. Maintained in a specified condition or state: Having been cared for, preserved, or continued in a particular way. * The house was beautifully kept. * She is a well-kept woman. 2. (Especially of promises or contracts) Not violated or disregarded; fulfilled: Having been honored or adhered to. * He is a man of kept promises. * The agreement was faithfully kept by both parties.

Usage Examples
  • Adjective:
    • The garden is always perfectly kept. (The garden is always maintained in a perfect condition.)
    • A promise made should be a promise kept. (A promise that is made should be a promise that is fulfilled.)
    • They lived in a poorly kept apartment. (They lived in an apartment that was not well-maintained.)
Advanced Usage
  • "well-kept secret": A secret that very few people know because it has been carefully guarded.
    • The location of the spring is a well-kept secret among the locals.
  • "kept man/kept woman": (Often derogatory) A person who is financially supported by a lover, typically implying they do not work.
    • The scandal involved a politician and his kept woman.
Variants and Related Words
  • Keep (verb): The base verb from which the adjective 'kept' is derived. It has many meanings, including to retain possession of, to continue in a state, to maintain, to fulfill, and to celebrate.
    • Please keep this document safe.
    • Keep going!
  • Keeper (noun): A person who manages or looks after something or someone.
    • He is the goalkeeper for the team.
    • She is a zookeeper.
Synonyms
  • Maintained: Kept in good condition.
  • Preserved: Kept from decay or harm.
  • Fulfilled: (For promises) Carried out or achieved.
  • Honored: (For agreements) Respected and adhered to.
Related Phrasal Verbs (from the base verb 'keep')
  • Keep up: To continue at the same rate or standard; to maintain.
    • Keep up the good work!
  • Keep on: To continue doing something.
    • He kept on talking despite the noise.
  • Keep from: To prevent someone from doing something or to avoid doing something.
    • I couldn't keep from laughing.
Related Idioms
  • Keep someone posted: To regularly inform someone about a situation.
    • Keep me posted on any developments.
  • Keep your chin up: To remain cheerful in a difficult situation.
    • I know you're disappointed, but keep your chin up.
  • Keep a straight face: To manage not to laugh or smile.
    • His joke was so funny it was hard to keep a straight face.
kept

She kept her promise to return the book on time.

Adjective
  1. (especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
    • unbroken promises
    • promises kept