English Explanatory Dictionary

maintain

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To keep up; to preserve; to uphold (a state, condition etc.).
  2. To declare or affirm (a clause) to be true; to assert.
  3. To keep in good condition and working order.
  4. To support (someone), to back up or assist (someone) in an action.
  5. To keep composed; to keep one's head up; to stay confident, strong, self-assured; to avoid being a victim; to keep oneself from falling apart.

Pronunciation

/meɪnˈteɪn/ /mənˈteɪn/ en-us-maintain.ogg

Word forms

maintain maintains maintaining maintained

Etymology

From Middle English mayntenen, from Old French maintenir, from Late Latin manūteneō, manūtenēre (“I support”), from Latin manū (“with/in/by the hand”, ablative of manus) + tenēre (“to hold”).

Antonyms

abandon

Derived words

maingain maingaining maintainability maintainable maintain appearances maintainment mismaintain undermaintain
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