1. Kept safe from decay or destruction:
* This is the most common meaning. It implies something has been protected from spoiling or being damaged over time.
* Example: "The ancient scrolls were beautifully preserved in a sealed vault."
* Other words with similar meanings: protected, saved, maintained, kept, stored.
2. Prepared for long-term storage, especially food:
* This meaning refers to a specific process of treating food to extend its shelf life.
* Example: "We ate preserved fruit for breakfast."
* Other words with similar meanings: canned, pickled, dried, frozen.
It's important to consider the context of the sentence to determine the intended meaning of "preserved." If the sentence is about protecting something from decay or damage, the first meaning is likely intended. If the sentence is about food preparation, the second meaning is likely intended.