Maintain: meaning, definitions and examples

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maintain

 

[ meɪnˈteɪn ]

Context #1 | Verb

keep in existence

To maintain means to keep something in existence or to continue to support or provide for something. It can also refer to the act of keeping a building or machine in good condition through regular repairs and upkeep.

Synonyms

preserve, sustain, uphold

Examples of usage

  • He struggled to maintain his balance on the tightrope.
  • It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise.
  • She hired a maintenance crew to maintain the property.
Context #2 | Verb

assert or declare

To maintain can also mean to assert or declare something, often in the face of opposition or doubt. It can be used to express the idea of affirming the truth or validity of a statement or belief.

Synonyms

affirm, assert, declare

Examples of usage

  • She maintained her innocence despite the evidence against her.
  • The company maintained that the product was safe for use.

Translations

Translations of the word "maintain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 manter

🇮🇳 बनाए रखना

🇩🇪 erhalten

🇮🇩 mempertahankan

🇺🇦 підтримувати

🇵🇱 utrzymywać

🇯🇵 維持する (iji suru)

🇫🇷 maintenir

🇪🇸 mantener

🇹🇷 sürdürmek

🇰🇷 유지하다 (yujihada)

🇸🇦 الحفاظ على (alhifaz ealaa)

🇨🇿 udržovat

🇸🇰 udržiavať

🇨🇳 维护 (wéihù)

🇸🇮 vzdrževati

🇮🇸 viðhalda

🇰🇿 қолдау

🇬🇪 შენარჩუნება (shenarchuneba)

🇦🇿 saxlamaq

🇲🇽 mantener

Etymology

The word 'maintain' has its origins in the Latin word 'manutenere', which means 'to hold in the hand'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'to keep in existence' or 'to support'. The word has been used in English since the 14th century, and its meaning has remained consistent throughout history.

See also: maintained, maintaining, maintenance, unmaintained.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,133, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.