kept
/ki:p/
Học thuậtThân thiện
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.
Adjective
- (especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
- unbroken promises
- promises kept