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

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