maintain
mayn-TAYN
/meɪnˈteɪn/
To preserve, preserve the existing state of, or keep something continuing at a consistent level or condition.
Implies ongoing effort to prevent deterioration or change, keeping a equilibrium.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'maintenir', which comes from Latin 'manu tenere' (literally 'to hold in the hand', from 'manus' hand + 'tenere' to hold). It carries the vivid origin of holding an object firmly in hand to keep it steady and supported.
Word relationships
- preserve: Preserve implies protecting something from decay or destruction, while maintain means keeping a state steady through active care.
- sustain: Sustain emphasizes providing energy or support to keep something alive/going under pressure.
- abandon: To cease caring for or keeping up.
- fluctuate: To rise and fall unpredictably without stability.
Commonly confused with
- sustain: Maintain focuses on keeping a level steady, while sustain focuses on enduring and nourishing through effort.
Word family
- maintenance (noun): The act of keeping something in proper order or condition.
Collocations
- maintain weight
- maintain balance
- maintain health
- maintain standards
Example sentences
- "Once target weight is achieved, adjusting intake to energy balance allows individuals to maintain body weight indefinitely." Health management
- "Researchers maintain that long-term physical health requires consistent lifestyle habits rather than temporary fixes." Formal argument
Memory hook
MAIN-TAIN is holding something steady with your MAIN HAND (manu). Maintain = Hold steady in hand
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'retain' (to hold onto ownership/possession) or 'obtain' (to acquire).
Fun facts
- In nutrition science, 'maintenance calories' represents the exact intake where energy consumed perfectly matches total daily energy expenditure.
Explore more words
preserve, sustain, maintenance, sustained, preservation, uphold
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