maintain
mayn-TAYN
Maintain (verb) means to keep something in its current, good condition over time. Example: “Regular servicing helps maintain the engine.”
verb
1
To keep something in its current, good condition over time.
"Regular servicing helps maintain the engine."
"They worked hard to maintain their friendship despite living abroad."
2
To insist that something is true.
"He maintained his innocence throughout the trial."
How to use maintain
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo keep something going or in good shape, or to keep insisting something is true.
Common pairings
maintain a relationship
maintain innocence
maintain standards
hard to maintain
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- maintains
- Past tense
- maintained
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Regular servicing helps _____ the engine.
Etymology
From Old French maintenir, from Latin manu tenere, literally "to hold in the hand."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for maintain
See all rhymes for maintain →Frequently asked questions
What does “maintain” mean?
The word “maintain” means to keep something in its current, good condition over time. In plain terms, to keep something going or in good shape, or to keep insisting something is true.
How do you pronounce “maintain”?
“Maintain” is pronounced mayn-TAYN (/meɪnˈteɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “maintain” in a sentence?
Here is “maintain” used in a sentence: “Regular servicing helps maintain the engine.”
What is the opposite of “maintain”?
The opposite of “maintain” — its antonyms — is abandon.
What part of speech is “maintain”?
“Maintain” is a verb.
Where does the word “maintain” come from?
The word “maintain” comes from Latin. From Old French maintenir, from Latin manu tenere, literally "to hold in the hand.".
Is “maintain” a common word?
“Maintain” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “maintain” have?
“Maintain” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to keep something in its current, good condition over time.
What is the difference between maintain and repair?
Maintaining means caring for something regularly so it stays in good condition and problems are prevented — like servicing a car or cleaning gutters. Repairing means fixing something after it has already broken or worn out. Good maintenance reduces how often repairs are needed, but the two work hand in hand.
What is the difference between maintain and sustain?
To maintain is to keep something in its current good condition, such as maintaining a building or a routine. To sustain is to keep something going or provide what it needs to continue, such as sustaining life or effort over time. Maintain stresses condition; sustain stresses ongoing support and endurance.
Does maintain have more than one meaning?
Yes. Besides keeping something in good condition, maintain can mean to firmly assert or insist on something — as in 'she maintained that she was innocent.' It can also mean to continue something without change, such as maintaining speed or maintaining contact. The intended sense usually depends on the surrounding words.
What is an example of maintaining something?
Regularly servicing a car so it keeps running well is a clear example of maintaining it. Others include watering and weeding a garden, updating software to keep it secure, or exercising to maintain good health. In each case, ongoing effort preserves something's condition rather than letting it decline.
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