maintaining
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.keeping something like a building, car, or road in good working order.
v.the act of performing regular upkeep on physical infrastructure or equipment to prevent deterioration.
Simple“Maintaining your car regularly will help it last much longer.”
In context“Maintaining the historic bridge requires specialized engineering teams to inspect the ironwork for signs of fatigue every six months.”
UsageOften used as a gerund acting as the subject of a sentence.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.keeping a situation or a feeling going without letting it stop.
v.sustaining a particular state, condition, or level of activity over a period of time.
Simple“Maintaining a healthy diet is easier if you plan your meals in advance.”
In context“The central bank is focused on maintaining price stability despite the volatile fluctuations in the global energy market.”
UsageTakes a direct object representing the state or condition being preserved.
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
v.continuing to say that something is true, even if other people do not believe you.
v.strongly asserting or adhering to a position or statement in the face of opposition or doubt.
Simple“He is still maintaining that he was at home during the accident.”
In context“Despite the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, the defendant remained steadfast in maintaining his innocence throughout the trial.”
UsageOften followed by a 'that' clause.
Antonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the work needed to keep something in good condition.
n.the systematic process of preservation or the functional upkeep of a system.
Simple“The maintaining of the garden takes up most of her weekend.”
In context“The constant maintaining of the software is necessary to protect the network against emerging security threats.”
Teacher's tipWhile 'maintaining' can be a noun, 'maintenance' is much more common for the general concept of upkeep.
SynonymsAntonyms
Usage maintaining a lively
“Newby said: “This is an important claim which raises serious questions about the ability of a prisoner maintaining his innocence to communicate with journalists and supporters at a critical stage of his case.”
“Back on Earth, the blackout will be a tense time for those with the job of maintaining contact with the spacecraft.”