maintain
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to keep something like a building, car, or road in good working order by checking it and repairing it regularly.
to keep a physical object or system in good condition through regular inspection and repair. Transitive; requires a direct object.
Simple“The city spends a lot of money to maintain the public parks and playgrounds.”
In context“The airline's reputation for safety rests on its rigorous protocols to maintain its fleet of aircraft to the highest international standards.”
UsageOften used with physical infrastructure or machinery.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to make sure that a situation or a feeling continues and does not change.
to cause a state, condition, or relationship to continue without interruption or decline.
Simple“It is important to maintain a healthy diet even when you are busy with work.”
In context“Despite the intense pressure from the media, the two countries managed to maintain a diplomatic relationship throughout the crisis.”
UsageCommonly takes abstract nouns like 'standards', 'order', 'contact', or 'silence' as objects.
Antonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to say strongly that something is true, especially when other people do not believe you.
to state or assert a position strongly, often in the face of opposition or doubt. Frequently followed by a 'that' clause.
Simple“The witness continued to maintain that he had never seen the man before.”
In context“Throughout the investigation, the suspect maintained his innocence, claiming he was at home during the time of the robbery.”
UsageTypically used in legal, academic, or formal reporting contexts.
Usage maintain healthy · maintain a safe · maintain balance
“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?”
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.