Hold vs. Keep: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 13, 2024
'Hold' generally means to physically grasp something, while 'keep' refers to retaining possession or maintaining something in a particular state.
Key Differences
Hold primarily signifies a physical action, involving grasping or carrying something in one's hands or arms. Keep, in contrast, extends to the idea of retaining possession or control over something, not necessarily involving physical contact.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
The term hold can imply temporary action, such as holding a book while reading. Keep suggests a more prolonged action or state, like keeping a book in a library for an extended period.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
To hold something can also mean to support it or keep it from falling. Keep, on the other hand, often implies continuing to have something, like keeping memories alive.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
In a figurative sense, hold can mean to contain or have capacity for something, as in holding one's emotions. Keep, in a similar non-literal use, can mean to adhere to an agreement or promise, like keeping a secret.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Hold is also used to denote organizing or conducting an event, as in holding a meeting. Keep, conversely, can suggest a regular practice or habit, such as keeping a diary.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Hold indicates physically grasping.
Keep refers to retaining or maintaining.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Duration
Hold often implies a temporary action.
Keep implies a longer duration or state.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Physical Contact
Hold usually requires physical contact.
Keep does not necessarily require physical contact.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Figurative Use
Hold can mean to contain or have capacity.
Keep can mean to adhere to something like a promise.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Contextual Use
Hold can refer to organizing events.
Keep can suggest a regular practice or habit.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Hold and Keep Definitions
Hold
To contain or have the capacity for something.
The bottle can hold up to two liters of water.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Keep
To maintain something in a particular state.
Keep the door closed to maintain the room temperature.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Hold
To organize or conduct an event.
The club will hold a meeting next Thursday.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Hold
To detain or restrain.
The police will hold the suspect for questioning.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Keep
To continue a regular practice or habit.
He keeps a journal of his daily activities.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To provide (a family, for example) with maintenance and support
"There's little to earn and many to keep" (Charles Kingsley).
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To keep from departing or getting away
Hold the bus! Hold the dog until I find the leash.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To retain (one's attention or interest)
Televised sports can't hold my interest.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To avoid letting out or expelling
The swimmer held her breath while underwater.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To have as a chief characteristic or quality
The film holds many surprises.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To cause to continue in a state, condition, or course of action
Tried to keep the patient calm.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To have and maintain in one's possession
Holds a great deal of property.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To have as a responsible position or a privilege
Held the governorship for six years.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To have in recognition of achievement or superiority
Holds the record for the one-mile race.
Holds the respect of her peers.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To restrain
Kept the child away from the stove.
Kept the crowd back with barriers.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To maintain occupation of by force or coercion
Protesters held the embassy for a week.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To withstand the efforts or advance of (an opposing team, for example).
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To maintain in a given condition, situation, or action
The storyteller held the crowd spellbound.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To reserve or keep back from use
Please hold two tickets for us. Hold the relish on that hamburger.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To remain in a state or condition; stay
Keep in line.
Keep quiet.
Kept well.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To defer the immediate handling of
The receptionist held all calls during the meeting.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To be in possession of, whether legally entitled or not
Holds an interest in the company.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To restrain oneself; hold oneself back
I couldn't keep from eavesdropping.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To assert or affirm, especially formally
This doctrine holds that people are inherently good.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To remain faithful to a given promise or word.
To keep one's word;
To keep one's promise
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To cause to take place; carry on
Held the race in Texas.
Hold a yard sale.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To assemble for and conduct the activity of; convene
Held a meeting of the board.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To maintain possession of.
I keep a small stock of painkillers for emergencies.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To cover (the ears or the nose, for example) especially for protection
Held my nose against the stench.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
(transitive) To record transactions, accounts, or events in.
I used to keep a diary.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To maintain a desired or accustomed position or condition
Hopes the weather will hold.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To withstand stress, pressure, or opposition
The defense held. We held firm on the negotiations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
(with from) To watch over, look after, guard, protect.
May the Lord keep you from harm.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To supply with necessities and financially support (a person).
He kept a mistress for over ten years.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To be valid, applicable, or true
The observation still holds in cases like this.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
(of living things) To raise; to care for.
He has been keeping orchids since retiring.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
(Slang) To have in one's possession illicit or illegally obtained material or goods, especially narcotics
The suspect was holding.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
A manner of grasping an opponent, as in wrestling or aikido
A neck hold.
An arm hold.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
(obsolete) To reside for a time; to lodge; to dwell.
She kept to her bed while the fever lasted.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
A control or adjustor on a television that keeps the screen image in proper position
Adjusted the horizontal hold.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To remain edible or otherwise usable.
Potatoes can keep if they are in a root cellar.
Latex paint won't keep indefinitely.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
A telephone service that allows one to temporarily interrupt a call without severing the connection.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
(copulative) To remain in a state.
The rabbit avoided detection by keeping still.
Keep calm! There's no need to panic.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To act as wicket-keeper.
Godfrey Evans kept for England for many years.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
(transitive) To observe; to adhere to; to fulfill; to not swerve from or violate.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
A direction or indication that something is to be reserved or deferred.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To observe or celebrate (a holiday).
The feast of St. Stephen is kept on December 26.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
(historical) The main tower of a castle or fortress, located within the castle walls.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
(obsolete) The act or office of keeping; custody; guard; care; heed; charge; notice.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
The state of being kept; hence, the resulting condition; case.
To be in good keep
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
(engineering) A cap for holding something, such as a journal box, in place.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To preserve from danger, harm, or loss; to guard.
Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To be or remain valid; to apply (usually in the third person).
To hold true;
The proposition holds.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
(transitive) To impose restraint upon; to limit in motion or action; to bind legally or morally; to confine; to restrain.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
(transitive) To bear, carry, or manage.
He holds himself proudly erect.
Hold your head high.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To supply with necessaries of life; to entertain; as, to keep boarders.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
(intransitive) Not to give way; not to part or become separated; to remain unbroken or unsubdued.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To remain continent; to control an excretory bodily function.
To hold one's bladder;
To hold one's breath
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
(heading) To maintain or keep to particular opinions, promises, actions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To last; to endure; to remain unimpaired.
If the malt be not thoroughly dried, the ale it makes will not keep.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To reside for a time; to lodge; to dwell.
Knock at his study, where, they say, he keeps.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To take care; to be solicitous; to watch.
Keep that the lusts choke not the word of God that is in us.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To organise an event or meeting (usually in passive voice).
Elections will be held on the first Sunday of next month.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
The state of being kept; hence, the resulting condition; case; as, to be in good keep.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
That which is kept in charge; a charge.
Often he used of his keepA sacrifice to bring.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
Retain possession of;
Can I keep my old stuffed animals?
She kept her maiden name after she married
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
(gambling) The wager amount, the total hold.
As of Monday night the total Melbourne Cup hold was $848,015
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
Observe correctly or closely;
The pianist kept time with the metronome
Keep count
I cannot keep track of all my employees
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
(tennis) An instance of holding one's service game, as opposed to being broken.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
Look after; be the keeper of; have charge of;
He keeps the shop when I am gone
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
The part of an object one is intended to grasp, or anything one can use for grasping with hands or feet.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
Maintain by writing regular records;
Keep a diary
Maintain a record
Keep notes
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
A fruit machine feature allowing one or more of the reels to remain fixed while the others spin.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
Supply with room and board;
He is keeping three women in the guest cottage
Keep boarders
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
The queueing system on telephones and similar communication systems which maintains a connection when all lines are busy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
(aviation) A region of airspace reserved for aircraft being kept in a holding pattern.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
Celebrate, as of holidays or rites;
Keep the commandments
Celebrate Christmas
Observe Yom Kippur
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
Keep under control; keep in check;
Suppress a smile
Keep your temper
Keep your cool
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
The whole interior portion of a vessel below the lower deck, in which the cargo is stowed.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
The authority or ground to take or keep; claim.
The law hath yet another hold on you.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Binding power and influence.
Fear . . . by which God and his laws take the surest hold of.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
Maintain for use and service;
I keep a car in the countryside
She keeps an apartment in Paris for her shopping trips
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
A place of security; a fortified place; a fort; a castle; - often called a stronghold.
New comers in an ancient hold
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To retain possession or control over something.
I'll keep the keys in case we return early.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Keep
To manage or look after something.
They keep a small garden in their backyard.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
In general, to keep one's self in a given position or condition; to remain fixed. Hence:
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Not to move; to halt; to stop; - mostly in the imperative.
And damned be him that first cries, "Hold, enough!"
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Not to give way; not to part or become separated; to remain unbroken or unsubdued.
Our force by land hath nobly held.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To restrain one's self; to refrain.
His dauntless heart would fain have heldFrom weeping, but his eyes rebelled.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To derive right or title; - generally with of.
My crown is absolute, and holds of none.
His imagination holds immediately from nature.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something;
He has a good grasp of accounting practices
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Power by which something or someone is affected or dominated;
He has a hold over them
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Time during which some action is awaited;
Instant replay caused too long a delay
He ordered a hold in the action
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Organize or be responsible for;
Hold a reception
Have, throw, or make a party
Give a course
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Have rightfully; of rights, titles, and offices;
She bears the title of Duchess
He held the governorship for almost a decade
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Contain or hold; have within;
The jar carries wine
The canteen holds fresh water
This can contains water
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Remain in a certain state, position, or condition;
The weather held
They held on the road and kept marching
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings);
Bear a grudge
Entertain interesting notions
Harbor a resentment
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Assert or affirm;
Rousseau's philosophy holds that people are inherently good
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Secure and keep for possible future use or application;
The landlord retained the security deposit
I reserve the right to disagree
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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?
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Hold the attention of;
The soprano held the audience
This story held our interest
She can hold an audience spellbound
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Support or hold in a certain manner;
She holds her head high
He carried himself upright
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Be capable of holding or containing;
This box won't take all the items
The flask holds one gallon
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Take and maintain control over, often by violent means;
The dissatisfied students held the President's office for almost a week
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Protect against a challenge or attack;
Hold that position behind the trees!
Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Declare to be;
She was declared incompetent
Judge held that the defendant was innocent
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Have as a major characteristic;
The novel holds many surprises
The book holds in store much valuable advise
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted;
He's held by a contract
I'll hold you by your promise
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Cover as for protection against noise or smell;
She held her ears when the jackhammer started to operate
Hold one's nose
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Drink alcohol without showing ill effects;
He can hold his liquor
He had drunk more than he could carry
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Stop dealing with;
Hold all calls to the President's office while he is in a meeting
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
Aim, point, or direct;
Hold the fire extinguisher directly on the flames
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Hold
To grasp or carry something physically.
She can hold the bag while I open the door.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Hold
To support or keep from falling.
Please hold the ladder steady while I climb.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can 'hold' imply emotional restraint?
Yes, 'hold' can be used to imply restraining emotions, like holding back tears.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Is 'keep' used for physical objects only?
No, 'keep' can refer to both physical objects and intangible things like promises.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Does 'hold' always mean physical touch?
Mostly, but it can also have figurative meanings like holding someone's attention.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Can 'keep' suggest a sense of duty?
Yes, 'keep' can imply a responsibility or duty, like keeping a watch.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Can 'hold' indicate a temporary action?
Yes, 'hold' often implies a temporary action or state.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Can 'hold' be used in a non-physical sense?
Yes, like holding a position or opinion.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Can 'hold' be used in expressions?
Yes, 'hold' is used in many expressions, like hold your horses.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Is 'hold' used in legal contexts?
Yes, 'hold' is used in legal contexts, like holding someone in custody.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Is 'keep' used in promises and agreements?
Yes, 'keep' is commonly used in the context of adhering to promises or agreements.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Does 'keep' imply a longer duration than 'hold'?
Generally, 'keep' suggests a longer duration or ongoing state compared to 'hold'.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Is 'keep' used in the sense of conservation?
Yes, 'keep' can imply conservation, like keeping the environment clean.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Can 'hold' imply control or influence?
Yes, 'hold' can imply having control or influence over something or someone.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Can 'hold' refer to delaying something?
Yes, 'hold' can mean to delay or postpone, like holding off a decision.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Does 'keep' have a protective connotation?
Yes, 'keep' can imply protection or care, like keeping someone safe.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Does 'keep' imply active effort?
Yes, 'keep' often suggests an active effort to maintain or retain something.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Can 'hold' be used in a supportive sense?
Yes, 'hold' can imply support, both physically and emotionally.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Is 'keep' used to denote habits?
Yes, 'keep' often refers to maintaining habits or routines.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Can 'hold' be used in the context of capacity?
Yes, 'hold' can indicate capacity or volume, like a container holding water.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Is 'keep' used in terms of employment?
Yes, 'keep' can be used in employment contexts, like keeping a job.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Does 'keep' imply a sense of continuity?
Yes, 'keep' often implies continuity or persistence in a state or action.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
