# maintain

/meɪnˈteɪn/ (US) · /meɪntˈeɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/maintain
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to keep in good condition

verb · CEFR B1

to keep something like a building, car, or road in good working order by checking it and repairing it regularly.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to continue a state

verb · CEFR B2

to make sure that a situation or a feeling continues and does not change.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to assert or claim

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic · Formal

to say strongly that something is true, especially when other people do not believe you.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- You must maintain your car to keep it running well.
- The city works hard to maintain the public parks so they remain safe for families to use.
- Despite facing intense questioning from the committee, the witness continued to maintain that he had no prior knowledge of the financial discrepancies.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.