maintain

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g.,
  2. verb keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction
  3. verb supply with necessities and support

Etymology

From Middle English mayntenen, from Old French maintenir, from Late Latin manūteneō, manūtenēre (“I support”), from Latin manū (“with/in/by the hand”, ablative of manus) + tenēre (“to hold”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

keep, hold

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