'preservative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praeservare,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'servare' meant 'to keep or save.'

'praeservare' transformed into the Old French word 'preserver,' and eventually became the modern English word 'preserve' and its derivative 'preservative.'

Initially, it meant 'to keep or save before something happens,' and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'substances used to prevent decay.'