maintain

main|tain

W2S3 [meınˈteın, mən-] v [T]

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1¦(make something continue)¦

2¦(level/rate)¦

3¦(say)¦

4¦(look after something)¦

5¦(provide money/food)¦

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[Date: 1200-1300; : Old French; Origin: maintenir, from Latin manu tenere 'to hold in the hand']

1.) ¦(MAKE SOMETHING CONTINUE)¦

to make something continue in the same way or at the same standard as before

▪ Careers Officers maintain contact with young people when they have left school.

▪ Britain wants to maintain its position as a world power.

▪ A lot depends on building and maintaining a good relationship with your customers.

▪ The hotel prides itself on maintaining high standards.

▪ How can we maintain control of spending?

2.) ¦(LEVEL/RATE)¦

to make a level or rate of activity, movement etc stay the same

▪ It is important to maintain a constant temperature inside the greenhouse.

▪ This is the most efficient way to build up and maintain a reasonable level of physical fitness.

3.) ¦(SAY)¦

to strongly express your belief that something is true

= ↑claim maintain (that)

▪ Critics maintain that these reforms will lead to a decline in educational standards.

maintain your innocence

(=say that you did not commit a crime)

▪ He maintained his innocence and said the allegations were 'ridiculous'.

4.) ¦(LOOK AFTER SOMETHING)¦

to keep a machine, building etc in good condition by checking and repairing it regularly

▪ The report found that safety equipment had been very poorly maintained.

▪ The company is responsible for maintaining public telephone boxes.

5.) ¦(PROVIDE MONEY/FOOD)¦

to provide someone with the things they need, such as money or food

= ↑provide for

▪ How can you maintain a family on $900 a month?