The word "keeper" is spelled with the letter combination "ee" to represent the long "e" sound followed by the letter "p" and then the letter "er" to create the final "-er" sound. In phonetic transcription, the word is represented as /ˈkiːpər/. This spelling follows the English language's complex system of phonics, which involves assigning certain sounds to specific combinations of letters. Despite its irregularities, mastering English spelling is essential for effective communication in written form.
Keeper (noun):
1. One who keeps or takes care of something or someone, particularly responsible for maintenance, protection, or preservation.
Example: A zookeeper is responsible for the care and safety of animals within the zoo.
2. In sports or games, an important player or team member whose role is to defend, guard, or protect their team's goal, base, or territory.
Example: The goalkeeper is the last line of defense in soccer, protecting the goal from the opposing team's shots.
3. A person entrusted with the custody or management of valuables, documents, or records, typically in a formal or official capacity.
Example: The bank appointed a keeper to handle the security and organization of client deposits.
4. A phrase used to refer to someone who is reliable, trustworthy, or dependable.
Example: Mary has always been a keeper; she never fails to lend a helping hand to those in need.
5. A term used to describe a person or thing that is rare, uncommon, or highly valuable.
Example: The ancient artifact found in the ruins is a real keeper, worth a fortune at the museum.
6. In dating or relationships, a term used to describe a partner who is considered to be long-term material or potential for a serious commitment.
Example: After their first date, Sarah knew she had found a keeper – someone she could envision spending her life with.
Overall, a keeper is someone who takes care of or protects something, whether it be physical objects, people, goals, or emotions. It can describe various roles and attributes and is associated with responsibility, trustworthiness, or rarity.
One who or that which keeps.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "keeper" originated from the Old English word "cypere", which meant one who takes care of or guards something. This word is derived from the verb "cēpan", which means to take, hold, or care for. Over time, "cypere" evolved into "keeper", retaining its fundamental meaning of someone responsible for guarding or caring for something.