The phrase "keep forever" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription of /kip ˈfɔrɛvər/. The first word, "keep," is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by the "p" and a final, unvoiced "p" sound. The second word, "forever," is pronounced with the stress placed on the first syllable, a short "o" sound, and an "ev" sound pronounced with a neutral vowel. The word ends with "er," which is pronounced with a schwa sound. Together, these two words form an idiom meaning "to keep something permanently."
"Keep forever" is a phrase that refers to the act of retaining or preserving something indefinitely or for an extended period of time. It indicates the intention or desire to maintain the item or object for an extended duration without any disposal or expiration.
In a literal sense, it suggests the long-term possession or retention of a physical item, such as documents, photographs, memorabilia, or other personal belongings. The intention behind the phrase is to ensure that the item is safeguarded from loss, damage, or disposal, so that it can be cherished, valued, or used in the future.
Metaphorically, "keep forever" can be used to describe the emotional or sentimental value of intangible things, such as memories, relationships, or experiences, that one wishes to hold close indefinitely. It conveys the idea of treasuring these priceless aspects of life, valuing them deeply, and wanting to preserve their significance for as long as possible.
The phrase "keep forever" symbolizes a commitment to permanence, suggesting the intention to safeguard and protect something with great care. It emphasizes the notion that certain possessions or intangible elements hold immense importance and should be preserved for generations to come.
The etymology of the phrase "keep forever" can be understood by examining the origins of its constituent words.
1. Keep: The word "keep" originated from the Old English word "cepan" or "ciepan" which meant "to care for, attend to", or "to guard, protect". Over time, it came to signify "to retain possession" or "to store securely". Its usage in the context of preserving things for an extended period of time gave rise to the phrase "keep forever".
2. Forever: The word "forever" is composed of two parts: "for" and "ever". "For" is derived from the Old English word "foran" or "before", while "ever" comes from the Old English word "æfre" or "always". The combination of these two elements signifies an indefinite or infinite period of time.