Word
maintained
Phoneticsmain·tained, stress on the second syllable
US/meɪnˈteɪnd/
UK/meɪntˈeɪnd/
Definitions
01kept in good condition
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to have looked after something so that it stays in good working order.
v. to have performed regular repairs or checks to keep a physical object or system in a functional state.
“The old car was well maintained and still ran perfectly after twenty years.”
“The engineering team maintained the bridge throughout the decade, ensuring that structural fatigue never compromised the safety of the commuters.”
Usage
often used in the passive voice to describe infrastructure or machinery.
02asserted or claimed
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
v. to have continued to say that something is true, even if others disagree.
v. to have asserted a position or claim strongly and consistently.
“He maintained that he was innocent even after the police showed him the evidence.”
“Throughout the cross-examination, the witness maintained that she had seen the defendant leave the building shortly before the alarm sounded.”
Usage
often followed by a 'that' clause.
03continued a state
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to have kept something going at the same level or speed.
v. to have caused a process or state to continue without a decrease in intensity or quality.
“The runner maintained a steady pace for the entire marathon.”
“The security forces maintained order during the protest, preventing the situation from escalating into a violent confrontation.”
Usage
frequently used with abstract nouns like 'silence', 'order', or 'speed'.
04well-kept
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describing something that is clean, tidy, and in good repair.
adj. characterised by regular care and attention to detail; often used in real estate or technical contexts.
“The house had a beautifully maintained garden with no weeds in sight.”
“The facility was a model of a maintained environment, where every piece of equipment was calibrated and polished daily.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“She maintained her innocence during the trial, claiming that she had not meant to serve beef wellingtons laced with death cap mushrooms to her lunch guests in July 2023.” “Hodgkinson has long maintained that she has felt the world record is within her reach.” - 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 Intermediate
- Updated
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