Word
maintain
Phoneticsmain·tain, stress on the second syllable
US/meɪnˈteɪn/
UK/meɪntˈeɪn/
Definitions
01to keep in good condition
B1 · Intermediate
v. to keep something like a building, car, or road in good working order by checking it and repairing it regularly.
v. to keep a physical object or system in good condition through regular inspection and repair. Transitive; requires a direct object.
“The city spends a lot of money to maintain the public parks and playgrounds.”
“The airline's reputation for safety rests on its rigorous protocols to maintain its fleet of aircraft to the highest international standards.”
Usage
Often used with physical infrastructure or machinery.
02to continue a state
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to make sure that a situation or a feeling continues and does not change.
v. to cause a state, condition, or relationship to continue without interruption or decline.
“It is important to maintain a healthy diet even when you are busy with work.”
“Despite the intense pressure from the media, the two countries managed to maintain a diplomatic relationship throughout the crisis.”
Usage
Commonly takes abstract nouns like 'standards', 'order', 'contact', or 'silence' as objects.
Antonyms
03to assert or claim
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic · Formal
v. to say strongly that something is true, especially when other people do not believe you.
v. to state or assert a position strongly, often in the face of opposition or doubt. Frequently followed by a 'that' clause.
“The witness continued to maintain that he had never seen the man before.”
“Throughout the investigation, the suspect maintained his innocence, claiming he was at home during the time of the robbery.”
Usage
Typically used in legal, academic, or formal reporting contexts.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “maintain” in context.
Verb
01. maintain balance
“It is important to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.”
verb + noun
02. maintain contact
“We promised to maintain contact after graduation, but we eventually drifted apart.”
verb + noun
03. maintain control
“The pilot struggled to maintain control of the aircraft during the storm.”
verb + noun
04. maintain focus
“It can be difficult to maintain focus when you are working in a noisy environment.”
verb + noun
05. maintain integrity
“The architect ensured the renovations would maintain the structural integrity of the building.”
verb + noun
06. maintain interest
“The teacher used interactive games to maintain interest throughout the lesson.”
verb + noun
07. maintain level
“Athletes must train hard to maintain a high level of fitness during the off-season.”
verb + noun
08. maintain order
“Police were deployed to the streets to maintain order during the protest.”
verb + noun
09. maintain position
“The runner managed to maintain her position at the front of the pack until the finish line.”
verb + noun
10. maintain record
“The hospital is required by law to maintain a detailed record of all patient treatments.”
verb + noun
11. maintain relationship
“Social media makes it easier to maintain relationships with friends who live abroad.”
verb + noun
12. maintain security
“Extra guards were hired to maintain security at the international summit.”
verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“But World Athletics said it will maintain the ban it imposed shortly after Russian forces invaded Ukraine more than four years ago.” “What do you think is best for you to keep improving, to keep pushing yourself, and to maintain that ambition?” “There is also the issue of cost; people who buy buildings with green roofs may have different budgets or priorities and do not necessarily want to spend the time or money to maintain them.” “They had moved into their first home and his physical injuries, plus the stress of being unable to work or maintain the house, sent him to a dark place.” Etymology
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”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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