maintain
It's important to maintain your car regularly to avoid breakdowns.
Regular car maintenance prevents future mechanical failures.
To keep something in the same state or condition; preserve.
She maintains a tidy workspace by cleaning it every evening.
Her workspace stays clean through daily upkeep.
The company maintains high standards for customer service.
The company ensures customer service remains excellent.
Often used for systems, health, relationships, or physical objects.
To assert or support a claim or position.
The lawyer maintained that the evidence was insufficient.
The lawyer argued firmly that the evidence lacked strength.
Common in legal, academic, or debate contexts.
To provide financial support for someone.
He maintains his elderly parents with his salary.
His income covers all expenses for his parents' care.
Often used for dependents like children or elderly relatives.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Prepositions Matter
Use 'in' for states (maintain in good health) and 'at' for levels (maintain at 100%). Avoid 'for' unless referring to financial support (maintain for your family).
Gold Rule
Active vs. Passive
Use active voice for clarity: 'She maintains her garden' (not 'Her garden is maintained by her' unless emphasizing the action itself).
Word Origin
From Middle English 'mainteinen' (to support, sustain), from Old French 'maintenir' (to hold in hand), from Latin 'manu tenere' (to hold in the hand). The prefix 'main-' comes from Latin 'manus' (hand), and 'tenir' from Latin 'tenere' (to hold).
Usage Notes
Commonly used with 'in' (maintain in good condition) or 'at' (maintain at a high level). Often confused with 'sustain'—'maintain' implies ongoing effort, while 'sustain' can imply endurance over time.