maintain

CEFRB1

/meɪnˈteɪn/

verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To keep something in good condition or continue having it.

  2. 02

    verb

    Extra detail

    To declare or affirm (a clause) to be true; to assert.

Examples

  • The bureaucrats maintain solid ties with the gigantic corporations.

  • We must maintain the amicable relations between Japan and the U.S.

At a glance

Sits at B1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
5

Also pronounced

  • /mənˈteɪn/

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. To keep in good condition and working order.

  2. To keep up; to preserve; to uphold (a state, condition etc.).

  3. To support (someone), to back up or assist (someone) in an action.

More examples

In context

  • We must work hard to maintain high standards of quality control.

  • maintain a relationship

  • maintain contact

Antonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

To keep your car running smoothly, you must blank it regularly with oil changes.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

From Middle English mayntenen, from Old French maintenir, from Late Latin manūteneō, manūtenēre (“I support”), from Latin manū (“with/in/by the hand”, ablative of manus) + tenēre (“to hold”).