Definition of Maintain
Quick Meaning of Maintain
To keep something working well or to continue doing something regularly.
Detailed Definition of Maintain
To keep something in good condition or continue at the same level.
How to Pronounce Maintain
Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the second syllable: meyn-TAYN. The first vowel is /eɪ/ as in day.
Watch out: Some learners say /ˈmeɪnteɪn/ with stress on first syllable; correct is /meɪnˈteɪn/.
Origin and Etymology of Maintain
From Latin manus (hand) + tenere (to hold) = to hold in one's hands.
How to Use Maintain in a Sentence
Each example shows “maintain” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“You must maintain your car regularly to keep it safe.”
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“The company maintains high quality standards in all products.”
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“It is difficult to maintain friendships when you move away.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Maintain
Common Synonyms for Maintain
Smart Synonyms for Maintain — When to Use Each
- keep
- more general and everyday
- preserve
- emphasizes protecting from harm or loss
- sustain
- emphasizes long-term continuation and support
Antonyms of Maintain
Common Collocations with Maintain
These phrases pair with “maintain” in everyday English:
- maintain contact
- maintain standards
- maintain control
- maintain order
- maintain balance
Common Mistakes When Using Maintain
Even fluent speakers slip up with “maintain”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: We must maintain the quality standards.
- ✓ Correct: We must maintain high quality standards. / We must maintain our quality standards.
- Why: Maintain usually requires an object with a descriptor; bare 'quality standards' is vague
- ✗ Wrong: They maintaining contact with family.
- ✓ Correct: They are maintaining contact with family.
- Why: Gerund must follow a helping verb; use are maintaining or maintain without gerund
Words Confused With Maintain
- Maintain vs Obtain: obtain means to get something; maintain means to keep it Compare →
Other Forms of Maintain
- Noun: maintenance
- Verb: maintain
Frequently Asked Questions About Maintain
What is the meaning of "Maintain"?
To keep something working well or to continue doing something regularly.
How do you pronounce "Maintain"?
The IPA is /meɪnˈteɪn/. Stress the second syllable: meyn-TAYN. The first vowel is /eɪ/ as in day.
What part of speech is "Maintain"?
"Maintain" is a verb at B1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Maintain"?
Common synonyms include keep, preserve, uphold.
How do you use "Maintain" in a sentence?
For example: "You must maintain your car regularly to keep it safe."