DictionaryAI

maintain

verb
mayn-TAYN/meɪnˈteɪn/

Formsmaintains, maintaining, maintained

5 meanings of maintain

Practice

  1. 1
    keep the sameverbtransitive
    To keep something the same so it does not change or get worse.

    Like adding wood to a fire so it keeps burning and never goes out.

    Try to maintain a steady speed when you drive on the highway.

    She maintained eye contact through the whole interview.

    UsageSay maintain contact with a friend to mean keeping in touch with them.

    Similarkeep, preserve, sustain, uphold, retain

    Note
  2. 2
    keep in repairverbtransitive
    To take care of something so that it keeps working well.

    Like watering a plant often so it stays green and healthy.

    You need to maintain your bike if you want it to last.

    He maintains the old car himself every weekend.

    UsageThe noun is maintenance (not incorrect: maintainance).

    Similarservice

    Oppositeneglect

    Note
  3. 3
    insistverbtransitive
    To say firmly that something is true, even when other people disagree.

    Like keeping to the same answer even when people keep doubting you.

    The driver continued to maintain that the light was green.

    She maintains she did nothing wrong.

    UsageUse maintain that + what you say is true. You can leave out that.

    Similarclaim, insist, assert, contend, argue

    Oppositedeny

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    pay forverbtransitive
    To pay for the food, home, and other things a person or family needs to live.

    His small pay was not enough to maintain a family of five.

    In those days, a farm worker's wages could barely maintain a household.

    Similarsupport

  2. 5
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To support someone, or to help them in what they are trying to do.
    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of maintain apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from Latin words meaning 'hand' and 'to hold': so 'to hold in the hand.' It reached English through Old French.

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 3 facts