Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Maintaining: meaning, definitions and examples

⚙️
Add to dictionary

maintaining

 

[ meɪnˈteɪnɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

keep

To keep something in good condition by making repairs, correcting problems, etc.

Synonyms

keep up, preserve, sustain, uphold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
maintaining

Used in formal or technical situations when talking about keeping something in good condition or efficient operation.

  • Maintaining the car's engine is crucial for optimal performance
  • The team is responsible for maintaining the website's functionality
keep up

Commonly used in everyday informal language to suggest ensuring something continues or stays at a certain level.

  • It's hard to keep up with all the new trends
  • She works out regularly to keep up her fitness
sustain

Used in both formal and informal contexts to imply keeping something going, especially through difficult conditions.

  • They need additional funds to sustain their research
  • His determination helped him sustain his efforts over the long term
preserve

Often used when talking about the protection of something valuable, historical, or delicate, ensuring it remains unchanged.

  • The museum works to preserve ancient artifacts
  • We should preserve our cultural heritage
uphold

Typically used in formal or legal contexts, indicating support for or adherence to principles, laws, or standards.

  • The judge swore to uphold the constitution
  • It is important to uphold high ethical standards

Examples of usage

  • He has spent his life maintaining the family fortune.
  • She struggled to maintain her balance.
  • I am trying to maintain a positive attitude.
  • The company has a policy of maintaining high standards of customer service.
  • We need to maintain the equipment regularly to avoid breakdowns.
Context #2 | Verb

continue

To continue to have; to keep in existence, or not allow to become less.

Synonyms

continue, keep up, persist, retain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
maintaining

Used when talking about keeping something in good condition or ensuring it stays the same over time.

  • He is maintaining his car to ensure it runs smoothly.
  • She is maintaining her healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly.
continue

Used when talking about carrying on or proceeding with an action or process that has already started.

  • He will continue his studies even after the break.
  • Please continue with the presentation.
keep up

Used informally when encouraging someone to maintain a certain standard or pace.

  • Keep up the good work!
  • He needs to keep up with the latest trends to stay relevant in his field.
persist

Used when describing someone who continues to do something despite difficulties or opposition. This word can sometimes have a negative connotation.

  • She will persist in her efforts to win the competition.
  • Despite many failures, he decided to persist.
retain

Used when referring to holding onto something or keeping possession of it.

  • He managed to retain his position in the company during the layoffs.
  • It's important to retain key information for the final exam.

Examples of usage

  • She was unable to maintain her high level of performance.
  • He maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
  • We need to maintain our focus on the end goal.
  • The organization aims to maintain its reputation for excellence.

Translations

Translations of the word "maintaining" in other languages:

🇵🇹 manutenção

🇮🇳 रखरखाव

🇩🇪 Wartung

🇮🇩 pemeliharaan

🇺🇦 підтримка

🇵🇱 utrzymanie

🇯🇵 維持

🇫🇷 maintien

🇪🇸 mantenimiento

🇹🇷 bakım

🇰🇷 유지

🇸🇦 صيانة

🇨🇿 údržba

🇸🇰 údržba

🇨🇳 维护

🇸🇮 vzdrževanje

🇮🇸 viðhald

🇰🇿 құрылымды сақтау

🇬🇪 შენარჩუნება

🇦🇿 saxlama

🇲🇽 mantenimiento

Etymology

The word 'maintain' originated from the Old French word 'maintenir', which is derived from the Latin word 'manu tenere' meaning 'to hold in the hand'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the idea of keeping or preserving something. The word has been used in English since the 14th century in various contexts related to support, care, and continuation.

See also: maintain, maintained, maintenance, unmaintained.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,736, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.