Words / B1

mayn-TAYN/meɪnˈteɪn/

Maintain means keep something in good condition, or continue it. Maintain a car; maintain a relationship; maintain that something is true (keep saying it). Keep is more informal. Maintenance is the noun for repairs. Maintain a standard is common at work.

Meaning

To keep something in good condition, or to continue it.

Examples

• “It is hard to maintain a study habit.”
• “The city fails to maintain its roads.”
• “She still maintains that she was right.”

Good to know

maintain a habit / a building / that + clause. Noun: maintenance.

Near in meaning

keep

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