maintenance
MAYN-tuh-nunts
/ˈmeɪntənəns/
The act of keeping something in good condition by checking or repairing it regularly.
Essential for sports like cycling, skiing, or racing where equipment failure can be dangerous.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'manus' (hand) and 'tenere' (to hold). To maintain something was literally to 'hold it in your hand' to keep it from falling or failing.
Word relationships
- upkeep: Upkeep is more informal; maintenance is the standard technical and professional term.
- neglect: Neglect is the failure to care for something; maintenance is the active care of it.
Commonly confused with
- repair: Repair happens after something breaks; maintenance happens to prevent it from breaking.
Word family
- maintain (verb): To keep in good condition.
Collocations
- regular maintenance
- preventative maintenance
- low maintenance
- maintenance costs
Example sentences
- "Regular maintenance of your bike's brakes and chain will extend the life of the components." Cycling safety
- "The maintenance of the cooling system is crucial." Technical manual
Memory hook
Main (hand) + Tenance (holding) = Holding it in good shape. Hold it together.
When not to use
Don't confuse with 'sustenance', which refers to food and life-support.
Fun facts
- In legal history, 'maintenance' was the crime of supporting someone else's lawsuit for a share of the profits.
Explore more words
preserve, preservation, sustain, downtime, precaution, Preventative care
Also appears in
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