conserve : 较正式用词,指小心地使用难以补充的资源或贵重物,免遭浪费或毁坏,以备不时之需。
To conserve electricity, we are cutting down on our heating.
为了省电,我们在减少中央供热。
The nationalists are very eager to conserve their customs and language.
民族主义者非常热衷于保留他们的习俗和语言。
preserve : 侧重将物品完好无损地保存下来。
We want to preserve the character of the town while improving the facilities.
我们想在改善市镇设施的同时保持其特色。
The agreement preserved our right to limit trade in endangered species.
这项协议保留了我们限制濒危物种贸易的权利。