26984 words

maintain

11 definitions • 22 examples
1
to continue to have; to keep in existence, or not allow to become less:

Examples:

The army has been brought in to maintain order in the region.
We have standards to maintain.
Despite living in different countries, the two families have maintained close links.
The film has maintained its position as the critics' favourite for another year.
2
to keep a road, machine, building, etc. in good condition:

Examples:

A large house costs a lot to maintain.
The roads in the town have been very poorly maintained.
3
to express firmly your belief that something is true:

Examples:

Throughout his prison sentence, Dunn has always maintained his innocence.
[ + that ] He maintains that he has never seen the woman before.
4
to provide someone with food and whatever is necessary for them to live on:

Examples:

They barely earn enough to maintain themselves and their four children.
5
to continue to have; to keep in existence, or not allow to become less:

Examples:

Despite living in different states, the two families have maintained a close friendship.
You have to maintain a minimum balance in your checking account.
6
to keep something in good condition:

Examples:

A large house costs a lot to maintain.
7
to express strongly your belief that something is true:

Examples:

[ + (that) clause ] She maintains (that) she’s being criticized simply for telling the truth.
8
to make something continue in the same way or at the same level:

Examples:

Maintaining a company's brand and reputation requires a lot of hard work.
Charities need only give 5% of proceeds each year to maintain a tax exemption.
We have been able to maintain prices for our customers at their current level.
The college has maintained links with similar institutions in other parts of the country.
9
to keep a building, machine, road, etc. in good condition by checking it regularly and repairing it if necessary:
10
to make regular payments in order to support someone financially or to keep something that you already own:

Examples:

More and more people are struggling to afford the cost of maintaining a home.
11
to say firmly that something is true:

Examples:

maintain (that) Senior accountants at the firm maintained they knew nothing of the transactions.

Navigation