Ohraniti

Ohraniti is a verb used in Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian and, with similar meaning, in other South Slavic languages. It denotes the act of preserving, maintaining or safeguarding something over time. The sense emphasizes continuity and durability, rather than a one-time action.

Usage and meanings

Ohraniti can refer to physical objects, health, memory, or cultural heritage. It is typically transitive, taking a direct object: ohraniti kulturnu baštinu (to preserve cultural heritage), ohraniti zdravlje (to maintain health), ohraniti zgradu u dobrom stanju (to keep a building in good condition). In broader contexts it can describe preserving practices, ecosystems, or records.

Grammatical notes

Ohraniti is a perfective verb used to indicate the completion of preservation or maintenance. In everyday speech, speakers may also use imperfective forms such as ohranjivati to describe the ongoing process of preserving. The verb often appears in formal or technical prose, as well as in policy, conservation, and heritage discourse.

Synonyms and distinctions

Common synonyms include čuvati, sačuvati, and očuvati. While čuvati emphasizes guarding or keeping safe, sačuvati highlights saving from loss, and očuvati stresses preventing deterioration. Ohraniti carries a nuance of maintaining condition or integrity over time, especially for heritage, health, or long-lasting objects.

Etymology

The term is formed with a prefix o- attached to the root related to care or nourishment. The exact historical derivation varies by language, but the meaning centers on prolonging usefulness, integrity, or value.