Pronunciation

/ˈmeɪnteɪn/

Definitions

• Verb: To keep or preserve something in its original state or condition; to uphold or support continuously or recurrently. For instance: “The gardener maintains the park’s beauty by regular trimming and watering.”
  • Example Sentence: “It’s important to maintain good health through regular exercise and a balanced diet.”
• Verb: To assert or affirm something as true or accurate. For instance: “The company maintains that their products are of the highest quality.”
  • Example Sentence: “She maintained her innocence throughout the trial.”

Phrases

• “Maintain contact” means to continue communicating with someone.
• “Maintain order” refers to keeping control or discipline, often in a group or situation.
• “Maintain a relationship” means to work at keeping a relationship healthy and functioning.
• “To maintain a position” can mean to defend or stick to a point of view or physical location.

Example Sentences

• Verb (preserve condition): “They’ve managed to maintain the old mansion in excellent condition over the years.”
• Verb (assert truth): “Despite the evidence presented, he continues to maintain his version of events.”

Synonyms

• Keep up
• Preserve
• Sustain
• Uphold
• Support
• Care for
• Attend to
• Retain
• Continue
• Insist upon (when referring to maintaining a claim or assertion)