Keep vs. Hold: Difference and Comparison
By Muazma Batool — Published on December 20, 2023
"Keep" implies possession or maintenance over time, while "hold" refers to having or grasping something in one's hand or control at a particular moment.
Difference Between Keep and Hold
"Keep" and "hold" both relate to possession, but they convey different nuances of the concept. When you keep something, you maintain it in your possession or ensure it stays in a particular condition or state. For instance, if you keep a diary, it means you possess and maintain it over time. On the other hand, to hold a diary would mean to have it in your hands or your immediate control at that specific time.
Muazma Batool
Dec 20, 2023
In some contexts, "hold" emphasizes a physical grasp or containment. For example, a container holds water, meaning it contains or confines the water within its structure. Conversely, to keep water would imply that you have stored it and intend to maintain it for some duration, like keeping it in a reservoir.
Muazma Batool
Dec 20, 2023
"Keep" can also imply adhering to a particular standard, promise, or commitment. If someone tells you to keep a secret, they're asking you to commit to not disclosing it. In contrast, if someone asks you to hold a thought, they're typically suggesting a temporary pause in sharing or acting upon that idea.
Muazma Batool
Dec 20, 2023
Another difference lies in their temporal implications. "Keep" often suggests a longer duration, such as when someone keeps mementos from their childhood. Whereas "hold" might indicate a temporary action or state, like holding one's breath or holding an elevator door open for someone.
William
Dec 20, 2023
While both words share the concept of possession, "keep" leans more towards retention, maintenance, or preservation over an extended period. "Hold", meanwhile, leans towards the act of possessing, containing, or grasping something in the present moment.
Levi
Dec 20, 2023
Keep vs. Hold Comparison Chart
Temporal Implication
Suggests a duration or continuity
Often indicates a momentary or temporary action
Muazma Batool
Dec 20, 2023
Contextual Application
Maintenance, adherence to standards, storage
Physical grasp, containment, temporary pause
Muazma Batool
Dec 20, 2023
Keep vs. Hold Definitions
◉Hold
To contain or be capable of containing.
The jar can hold two liters of water.
William
Sep 05, 2023
◉Hold
To have authority or control over.
She holds a significant position in the company.
Muazma Batool
Sep 05, 2023
◉Keep
To provide (a family, for example) with maintenance and support
"There's little to earn and many to keep" (Charles Kingsley).
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To keep from falling or moving; support
a nail too small to hold the mirror.
hold the horse steady.
papers that were held together with staples.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To keep from departing or getting away
Hold the bus! Hold the dog until I find the leash.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To retain (one's attention or interest)
Televised sports can't hold my interest.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To avoid letting out or expelling
The swimmer held her breath while underwater.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To cause to continue in a state, condition, or course of action
tried to keep the patient calm.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To have as a chief characteristic or quality
The film holds many surprises.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To restrain
kept the child away from the stove.
kept the crowd back with barriers.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To have and maintain in one's possession
holds a great deal of property.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To have as a responsible position or a privilege
held the governorship for six years.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To have in recognition of achievement or superiority
holds the record for the one-mile race.
holds the respect of her peers.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To maintain occupation of by force or coercion
Protesters held the embassy for a week.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To withstand the efforts or advance of (an opposing team, for example).
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To maintain in a given condition, situation, or action
The storyteller held the crowd spellbound.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To remain in a state or condition; stay
keep in line.
keep quiet.
kept well.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To reserve or keep back from use
Please hold two tickets for us. Hold the relish on that hamburger.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To restrain oneself; hold oneself back
I couldn't keep from eavesdropping.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To defer the immediate handling of
The receptionist held all calls during the meeting.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To be in possession of, whether legally entitled or not
holds an interest in the company.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To continue in (a course or mode of action); to not intermit or fall from; to uphold or maintain.
to keep silence;
to keep possession
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To remain faithful to a given promise or word.
to keep one's word;
to keep one's promise
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To keep in the mind or convey as a judgment, conviction, or point of view
holds that this economic program is the only answer to high prices.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To assert or affirm, especially formally
This doctrine holds that people are inherently good.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To maintain possession of.
I keep a small stock of painkillers for emergencies.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To maintain the condition of; to preserve in a certain state.
I keep my specimens under glass to protect them.
The abundance of squirrels kept the dogs running for hours.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To cause to take place; carry on
held the race in Texas.
hold a yard sale.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
(transitive) To record transactions, accounts, or events in.
I used to keep a diary.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To assemble for and conduct the activity of; convene
held a meeting of the board.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To carry or support (the body or a bodily part) in a certain position
Can the baby hold herself up yet? Hold up your leg.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To cover (the ears or the nose, for example) especially for protection
held my nose against the stench.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To restrain.
I keep my pet gerbil away from my brother.
Don't let me keep you; I know you have things to be doing.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
(with from) To watch over, look after, guard, protect.
May the Lord keep you from harm.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To supply with necessities and financially support (a person).
He kept a mistress for over ten years.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To maintain a desired or accustomed position or condition
hopes the weather will hold.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
(of living things) To raise; to care for.
He has been keeping orchids since retiring.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To withstand stress, pressure, or opposition
The defense held. We held firm on the negotiations.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To be valid, applicable, or true
The observation still holds in cases like this.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
(obsolete) To reside for a time; to lodge; to dwell.
She kept to her bed while the fever lasted.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
(Slang) To have in one's possession illicit or illegally obtained material or goods, especially narcotics
The suspect was holding.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To remain edible or otherwise usable.
Potatoes can keep if they are in a root cellar.
Latex paint won't keep indefinitely.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
A manner of grasping an opponent, as in wrestling or aikido
a neck hold.
an arm hold.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
(copulative) To remain in a state.
The rabbit avoided detection by keeping still.
Keep calm! There's no need to panic.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
A control or adjustor on a television that keeps the screen image in proper position
adjusted the horizontal hold.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To act as wicket-keeper.
Godfrey Evans kept for England for many years.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
A telephone service that allows one to temporarily interrupt a call without severing the connection.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
A bond or force that attaches or restrains, or by which something is affected or dominated
a writer with a strong hold on her readership.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
(transitive) To observe; to adhere to; to fulfill; to not swerve from or violate.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To observe or celebrate (a holiday).
The feast of St. Stephen is kept on December 26.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
(historical) The main tower of a castle or fortress, located within the castle walls.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
A direction or indication that something is to be reserved or deferred.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
The food or money required to keep someone alive and healthy; one's support, maintenance.
He works as a cobbler's apprentice for his keep.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
(obsolete) The act or office of keeping; custody; guard; care; heed; charge; notice.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
The state of being kept; hence, the resulting condition; case.
to be in good keep
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
(engineering) A cap for holding something, such as a journal box, in place.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To hold; to restrain from departure or removal; not to let go of; to retain in one's power or possession; not to lose; to retain; to detain.
If we lose the field,We can not keep the town.
That I may know what keeps me here with you.
If we would weigh and keep in our minds what we are considering, that would instruct us.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To cause to remain in a given situation or condition; to maintain unchanged; to hold or preserve in any state or tenor.
His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal.
Keep a stiff rein, and move but gently on.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To have in custody; to have in some place for preservation; to take charge of.
The crown of Stephanus, first king of Hungary, was always kept in the castle of Vicegrade.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
(transitive) To have and keep possession of something.
Hold my coat for me.
The general ordered the colonel to hold his position at all costs.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To preserve from danger, harm, or loss; to guard.
Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To preserve from discovery or publicity; not to communicate, reveal, or betray, as a secret.
Great are thy virtues . . . though kept from man.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To attend upon; to have the care of; to tend.
And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden, to dress it and to keep it.
In her girlish age, she kept sheep on the moor.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To record transactions, accounts, or events in; as, to keep books, a journal, etc.; also, to enter (as accounts, records, etc. ) in a book.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To be or remain valid; to apply (usually in the third person).
to hold true;
The proposition holds.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To maintain, as an establishment, institution, or the like; to conduct; to manage; as, to keep store.
Like a pedant that keeps a school.
Every one of them kept house by himself.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To supply with necessaries of life; to entertain; as, to keep boarders.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
(transitive) To impose restraint upon; to limit in motion or action; to bind legally or morally; to confine; to restrain.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To have in one's service; to have and maintain, as an assistant, a servant, a mistress, a horse, etc.
I keep but three men and a boy.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
(transitive) To bear, carry, or manage.
He holds himself proudly erect.
Hold your head high.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To continue in, as a course or mode of action; not to intermit or fall from; to hold to; to maintain; as, to keep silence; to keep one's word; to keep possession.
Both day and night did we keep company.
Within this portal as I kept my watch.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
(intransitive) Not to give way; not to part or become separated; to remain unbroken or unsubdued.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To observe; to adhere to; to fulfill; not to swerve from or violate; to practice or perform, as duty; not to neglect; to be faithful to.
I have kept the faith.
Him whom to love is to obey, and keepHis great command.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To remain continent; to control an excretory bodily function.
to hold one's bladder;
to hold one's breath
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To confine one's self to; not to quit; to remain in; as, to keep one's house, room, bed, etc.; hence, to haunt; to frequent.
'Tis hallowed ground;Fairies, and fawns, and satyrs do it keep.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
(heading) To maintain or keep to particular opinions, promises, actions.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To observe duly, as a festival, etc.; to celebrate; to solemnize; as, to keep a feast.
I went with them to the house of God . . . with a multitude that kept holyday.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To remain in any position or state; to continue; to abide; to stay; as, to keep at a distance; to keep aloft; to keep near; to keep in the house; to keep before or behind; to keep in favor; to keep out of company, or out reach.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
(transitive) To bind (someone) to a consequence of his or her actions.
He was held responsible for the actions of those under his command.
I'll hold him to that promise.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To last; to endure; to remain unimpaired.
If the malt be not thoroughly dried, the ale it makes will not keep.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To maintain in being or action; to carry on; to prosecute, as a course of conduct or an argument; to continue; to sustain.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To reside for a time; to lodge; to dwell.
Knock at his study, where, they say, he keeps.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To accept, as an opinion; to be the adherent of, openly or privately; to persist in, as a purpose; to maintain; to sustain.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To take care; to be solicitous; to watch.
Keep that the lusts choke not the word of God that is in us.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
The act or office of keeping; custody; guard; care; heed; charge.
Pan, thou god of shepherds all,Which of our tender lambkins takest keep.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
The state of being kept; hence, the resulting condition; case; as, to be in good keep.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To organise an event or meeting (usually in passive voice).
Elections will be held on the first Sunday of next month.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
The means or provisions by which one is kept; maintenance; support; as, the keep of a horse.
Grass equal to the keep of seven cows.
I performed some services to the college in return for my keep.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
That which keeps or protects; a stronghold; a fortress; a castle; specifically, the strongest and securest part of a castle, often used as a place of residence by the lord of the castle, especially during a siege; the dungeon. See Illust. of Castle.
The prison strong,Within whose keep the captive knights were laid.
The lower chambers of those gloomy keeps.
I think . . . the keep, or principal part of a castle, was so called because the lord and his domestic circle kept, abode, or lived there.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
(imperative) In a food or drink order at an informal restaurant etc., requesting that a component normally included in that order be omitted.
One ham-and-cheese sandwich; hold the mustard.
A martini, please, and hold the olive.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
That which is kept in charge; a charge.
Often he used of his keepA sacrifice to bring.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
the financial means whereby one lives;
each child was expected to pay for their keep
he applied to the state for support
he could no longer earn his own livelihood
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
An order that something is to be reserved or delayed, limiting or preventing how it can be dealt with.
Senator X placed a hold on the bill, then went to the library and placed a hold on a book.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g.,
keep clean
hold in place
She always held herself as a lady
The students keep me on my toes
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
continue a certain state, condition, or activity;
Keep on working!
We continued to work into the night
Keep smiling
We went on working until well past midnight
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
retain possession of;
Can I keep my old stuffed animals?
She kept her maiden name after she married
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
prevent from doing something or being in a certain state;
We must prevent the cancer from spreading
His snoring kept me from falling asleep
Keep the child from eating the marbles
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
conform one's action or practice to;
keep appointments
she never keeps her promises
We kept to the original conditions of the contract
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
(wrestling) A position or grip used to control the opponent.
He got him in a tight hold and pinned him to the mat.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
observe correctly or closely;
The pianist kept time with the metronome
keep count
I cannot keep track of all my employees
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
look after; be the keeper of; have charge of;
He keeps the shop when I am gone
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
(gambling) The percentage the house wins on a gamble, the house or bookmaker's hold.
The House Hold on the game is 10,000, this is the amount of decision or risk the house wishes to assume.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
maintain by writing regular records;
keep a diary
maintain a record
keep notes
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
(gambling) The wager amount, the total hold.
As of Monday night the total Melbourne Cup hold was $848,015
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
supply with room and board;
He is keeping three women in the guest cottage
keep boarders
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
(tennis) An instance of holding one's service game, as opposed to being broken.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
allow to remain in a place or position;
We cannot continue several servants any longer
She retains a lawyer
The family's fortune waned and they could not keep their household staff
Our grant has run out and we cannot keep you on
We kept the work going as long as we could
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
The part of an object one is intended to grasp, or anything one can use for grasping with hands or feet.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
supply with necessities and support;
She alone sustained her family
The money will sustain our good cause
There's little to earn and many to keep
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
A fruit machine feature allowing one or more of the reels to remain fixed while the others spin.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
celebrate, as of holidays or rites;
Keep the commandments
celebrate Christmas
Observe Yom Kippur
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
The queueing system on telephones and similar communication systems which maintains a connection when all lines are busy.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
keep under control; keep in check;
suppress a smile
Keep your temper
keep your cool
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
(baseball) A statistic awarded to a relief pitcher who is not still pitching at the end of the game and who records at least one out and maintains a lead for his team.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
(aviation) A region of airspace reserved for aircraft being kept in a holding pattern.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
The cargo area of a ship or aircraft (often holds or cargo hold).
We watched our luggage being loaded into the hold of the plane.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
retain rights to;
keep my job for me while I give birth
keep my seat, please
keep open the possibility of a merger
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
The whole interior portion of a vessel below the lower deck, in which the cargo is stowed.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
have as a supply;
I always keep batteries in the freezer
keep food for a week in the pantry
She keeps a sixpack and a week's worth of supplies in the refrigerator
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
The act of holding, as in or with the hands or arms; the manner of holding, whether firm or loose; seizure; grasp; clasp; grip; possession; - often used with the verbs take and lay.
Ne have I not twelve pence within mine hold.
Thou should'st lay hold upon him.
My soul took hold on thee.
Take fast hold of instruction.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
maintain for use and service;
I keep a car in the countryside
She keeps an apartment in Paris for her shopping trips
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
The authority or ground to take or keep; claim.
The law hath yet another hold on you.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
Binding power and influence.
Fear . . . by which God and his laws take the surest hold of.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
Something that may be grasped; means of support.
If a man be upon an high place without rails or good hold, he is ready to fall.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To maintain in a particular state or condition.
They keep their home immaculately clean.
Nolan
Sep 05, 2023
◉Hold
A place of confinement; a prison; confinement; custody; guard.
They . . . put them in hold unto the next day.
King Richard, he is in the mighty holdOf Bolingbroke.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
A place of security; a fortified place; a fort; a castle; - often called a stronghold.
New comers in an ancient hold
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Keep
To store or reserve for future use.
She keeps canned goods in the basement.
Muazma Batool
Sep 05, 2023
◉Hold
A character [thus ] placed over or under a note or rest, and indicating that it is to be prolonged; - called also pause, and corona.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To cause to remain in a given situation, position, or relation, within certain limits, or the like; to prevent from falling or escaping; to sustain; to restrain; to keep in the grasp; to retain.
The loops held one curtain to another.
Thy right hand shall hold me.
They all hold swords, being expert in war.
In vain he seeks, that having can not hold.
France, thou mayst hold a serpent by the tongue, . . . A fasting tiger safer by the tooth,Than keep in peace that hand which thou dost hold.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To retain in one's keeping; to maintain possession of, or authority over; not to give up or relinquish; to keep; to defend.
We mean to hold what anciently we claimOf deity or empire.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To have; to possess; to be in possession of; to occupy; to derive title to; as, to hold office.
This noble merchant held a noble house.
Of him to hold his seigniory for a yearly tribute.
And now the strand, and now the plain, they held.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To impose restraint upon; to limit in motion or action; to bind legally or morally; to confine; to restrain.
We can not hold mortality's strong hand.
Death! what do'st? O, hold thy blow.
He had not sufficient judgment and self-command to hold his tongue.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To maintain in being or action; to carry on; to prosecute, as a course of conduct or an argument; to continue; to sustain.
Hold not thy peace, and be not still.
Seedtime and harvest, heat and hoary frost,Shall hold their course.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To prosecute, have, take, or join in, as something which is the result of united action; as to, hold a meeting, a festival, a session, etc.; hence, to direct and bring about officially; to conduct or preside at; as, the general held a council of war; a judge holds a court; a clergyman holds a service.
I would hold more talk with thee.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To receive and retain; to contain as a vessel; as, this pail holds milk; hence, to be able to receive and retain; to have capacity or containing power for.
Broken cisterns that can hold no water.
One sees more devils than vast hell can hold.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To accept, as an opinion; to be the adherent of, openly or privately; to persist in, as a purpose; to maintain; to sustain.
Stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught.
But still he held his purpose to depart.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To consider; to regard; to esteem; to account; to think; to judge.
I hold him but a fool.
I shall never hold that man my friend.
The Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To bear, carry, or manage; as he holds himself erect; he holds his head high.
Let him hold his fingers thus.
O, fie! to receive favors, return falsehoods,And hold a lady in hand.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
In general, to keep one's self in a given position or condition; to remain fixed. Hence:
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
Not to move; to halt; to stop; - mostly in the imperative.
And damned be him that first cries, "Hold, enough!"
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
Not to give way; not to part or become separated; to remain unbroken or unsubdued.
Our force by land hath nobly held.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
Not to fail or be found wanting; to continue; to last; to endure a test or trial; to abide; to persist.
While our obedience holds.
The rule holds in land as all other commodities.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
Not to fall away, desert, or prove recreant; to remain attached; to cleave; - often with with, to, or for.
He will hold to the one and despise the other.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To restrain one's self; to refrain.
His dauntless heart would fain have heldFrom weeping, but his eyes rebelled.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
To derive right or title; - generally with of.
My crown is absolute, and holds of none.
His imagination holds immediately from nature.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
the act of grasping;
he released his clasp on my arm
he has a strong grip for an old man
she kept a firm hold on the railing
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something;
he has a good grasp of accounting practices
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
power by which something or someone is affected or dominated;
he has a hold over them
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
time during which some action is awaited;
instant replay caused too long a delay
he ordered a hold in the action
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
a state of being confined (usually for a short time);
his detention was politically motivated
the prisoner is on hold
he is in the custody of police
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it;
he grabbed the hammer by the handle
it was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
organize or be responsible for;
hold a reception
have, throw, or make a party
give a course
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g.,
keep clean
hold in place
She always held herself as a lady
The students keep me on my toes
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
have or hold in one's hands or grip;
Hold this bowl for a moment, please
A crazy idea took hold of him
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
to close within bounds, limit or hold back from movement;
This holds the local until the express passengers change trains
About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade
The illegal immigrants were held at a detention center
The terrorists held the journalists for ransom
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
have rightfully; of rights, titles, and offices;
She bears the title of Duchess
He held the governorship for almost a decade
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense;
She has $1,000 in the bank
He has got two beautiful daughters
She holds a Master's degree from Harvard
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view;
take for granted
view as important
hold these truths to be self-evident
I hold him personally responsible
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
contain or hold; have within;
The jar carries wine
The canteen holds fresh water
This can contains water
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits;
moderate your alcohol intake
hold your tongue
hold your temper
control your anger
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
remain in a certain state, position, or condition;
The weather held
They held on the road and kept marching
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings);
bear a grudge
entertain interesting notions
harbor a resentment
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
assert or affirm;
Rousseau's philosophy holds that people are inherently good
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
secure and keep for possible future use or application;
The landlord retained the security deposit
I reserve the right to disagree
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
be the physical support of; carry the weight of;
The beam holds up the roof
He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam
What's holding that mirror?
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
hold the attention of;
The soprano held the audience
This story held our interest
She can hold an audience spellbound
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
support or hold in a certain manner;
She holds her head high
He carried himself upright
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
have room for; hold without crowding;
This hotel can accommodate 250 guests
The theater admits 300 people
The auditorium can't hold more than 500 people
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
be capable of holding or containing;
This box won't take all the items
The flask holds one gallon
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
take and maintain control over, often by violent means;
The dissatisfied students held the President's office for almost a week
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
protect against a challenge or attack;
Hold that position behind the trees!
Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
declare to be;
She was declared incompetent
judge held that the defendant was innocent
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
have as a major characteristic;
The novel holds many surprises
The book holds in store much valuable advise
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted;
He's held by a contract
I'll hold you by your promise
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
cover as for protection against noise or smell;
She held her ears when the jackhammer started to operate
hold one's nose
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
drink alcohol without showing ill effects;
He can hold his liquor
he had drunk more than he could carry
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
be pertinent or relevant or applicable;
The same laws apply to you!
This theory holds for all irrational numbers
The same rules go for everyone
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance;
reserve me a seat on a flight
The agent booked tickets to the show for the whole family
please hold a table at Maxim's
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
resist or confront with resistance;
The politician defied public opinion
The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear
The bridge held
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
stop dealing with;
hold all calls to the President's office while he is in a meeting
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
aim, point, or direct;
Hold the fire extinguisher directly on the flames
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Hold
be in accord; be in agreement;
We agreed on the terms of the settlement
I can't agree with you!
I hold with those who say life is sacred
Both philosophers concord on this point
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
Keep vs. Hold Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to keep something?
It means to retain or maintain possession of it.
Muazma Batool
Dec 20, 2023
Is holding something always a physical action?
Not always, it can also refer to conceptual ideas, like holding a belief.
Muazma Batool
Dec 20, 2023
If I keep a journal, does it mean I write in it daily?
Not necessarily, it means you maintain or possess a journal, whether or not you write in it daily.
Kaitlyn
Dec 20, 2023
How does keep relate to adhering to standards?
It implies maintaining or conforming to a particular standard, like keeping to a schedule.
Muazma Batool
Dec 20, 2023
Does hold always indicate a short-term action?
Often, but not always. For instance, one might hold a belief for a lifetime.
Kaitlyn
Dec 20, 2023
How does hold differ from keep?
Hold refers to having something in one's grasp or control, especially in the present moment.
Muazma Batool
Dec 20, 2023
Can keep refer to an action over a longer duration?
Yes, it often suggests retaining or maintaining something over time.
Muazma Batool
Dec 20, 2023
Can both words relate to responsibilities or obligations?
Yes, you can keep a promise and hold a position of responsibility.
Jonathan
Dec 20, 2023
In which context would "keep" and "hold" be interchangeable?
In some contexts related to possession, like "Can you keep/hold this for me?" both might be used, but nuances differ.
Muazma Batool
Dec 20, 2023
What's the difference between holding a ticket and keeping a ticket?
Holding might mean you have it right now, while keeping implies you'll retain it for a duration.
Jonathan
Dec 20, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
