main·tain
Pronounced:
/meɪnˈteɪn/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
main·tains; main·tained; main·tain·ingMeaning:
[+ obj] 1 : to cause (something) to exist or continue without changing ▪ They have always maintained high standards of professional conduct. ▪ He has found it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. ▪ maintain a good reputation ▪ They barely had enough food to maintain life. [=to make it possible for life to exist or continue]
2 : to keep (something) in good condition by making repairs, correcting problems, etc. ▪ The company has done a poor job of maintaining its computer network. ▪ It was obvious that the house had been poorly maintained.
3 : to continue having or doing (something) ▪ She was finding it hard to maintain her balance. ▪ She still maintains a close relationship with her college roommate. ▪ It's difficult to maintain a correspondence when we're both so busy. ▪ The pilot was struggling to maintain control of the aircraft. ▪ The police say that they will do whatever is necessary to maintain law and order. ▪ She continues to maintain her silence. [=she continues to say nothing] ▪ He was struggling to maintain his cool/composure. [=he was struggling not to become angry or upset]
4 : to say that (something) is true ▪ He maintains that such decisions are best left to local authorities. ▪ He continues to maintain his innocence. = He continues to maintain that he is innocent. ▪ She maintains that my theory is flawed.
5 : to provide support for (someone or something) ▪ He has a family to maintain.
2 : to keep (something) in good condition by making repairs, correcting problems, etc. ▪ The company has done a poor job of maintaining its computer network. ▪ It was obvious that the house had been poorly maintained.
3 : to continue having or doing (something) ▪ She was finding it hard to maintain her balance. ▪ She still maintains a close relationship with her college roommate. ▪ It's difficult to maintain a correspondence when we're both so busy. ▪ The pilot was struggling to maintain control of the aircraft. ▪ The police say that they will do whatever is necessary to maintain law and order. ▪ She continues to maintain her silence. [=she continues to say nothing] ▪ He was struggling to maintain his cool/composure. [=he was struggling not to become angry or upset]
4 : to say that (something) is true ▪ He maintains that such decisions are best left to local authorities. ▪ He continues to maintain his innocence. = He continues to maintain that he is innocent. ▪ She maintains that my theory is flawed.
5 : to provide support for (someone or something) ▪ He has a family to maintain.