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maintenir
/mɛ̃.tniʁ/
What does "maintenir" mean in English?
to maintainIl faut maintenir cette tradition.
We need to maintain this tradition.
How to use "maintenir" correctly: definitions and examples in English?
formal
To keep something in a particular state or condition; to preserve or sustain.
Elle maintient sa maison en parfait état.
She maintains her house in perfect condition.
Le gouvernement maintient les prix bas.
The government maintains low prices.
Commonly used in contexts like maintenance, health, relationships, or policies.
formal
To assert or uphold a claim, opinion, or position.
Il maintient qu'il n'a rien fait de mal.
He maintains that he did nothing wrong.
Often used in legal or argumentative contexts.
formal
To support or provide for financially.
Il maintient sa famille avec son salaire.
He supports his family with his salary.
Less common in everyday speech; more formal.
Collocations
maintenir l'ordreto maintain ordermaintenir une promesseto keep a promisemaintenir le contactto keep in touchmaintenir une vitesseto maintain a speed
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common prepositions with maintenir
Use 'maintenir' with 'en' for states (e.g., *maintenir en bon état*), 'que' for claims (e.g., *maintenir que...*), and 'à' for conditions (e.g., *maintenir à un niveau bas*).
Gold Rule
When to use maintenir vs. garder
'Maintenir' implies active effort to preserve a state, while 'garder' is more about keeping possession or a general state (e.g., *garder un secret* vs. *maintenir le secret*).
Word Origin
From Old French *maintenir* (to hold by the hand, support), from Latin *manu tenere* (to hold in the hand), from *manus* (hand) + *tenere* (to hold).
Usage Notes
Common in both everyday and formal contexts. The reflexive form *se maintenir* means 'to persist' or 'to remain.'
Word Breakdown
main-
from Latin *manu* (hand), implying control or support
root-tenir
from Latin *tenere* (to hold)
rootDictionnaire Français-Anglais