Maintain Meaning
Maintain Definition & Usage
To keep something in a particular state or condition, typically over time.
Examples
- "It's important to maintain your car so it lasts longer."
- "She tries to maintain a calm demeanor, even in stressful situations."
- "The organization works hard to maintain its position as the market leader."
- "We need to maintain the garden to keep it looking fresh."
- "The software needs regular updates to maintain its security."
To assert or declare that something is true or valid, often despite opposition.
Examples
- "He maintained that the new policy would benefit the company in the long run."
- "She maintained her innocence throughout the investigation."
- "The professor maintained that the research was accurate despite the controversy."
- "They maintained their position even after the opposing side presented new evidence."
- "The coach maintained that the team's performance was improving, despite recent losses."
To support or provide for something or someone, typically financially or emotionally.
Examples
- "He struggled to maintain his family after losing his job."
- "The charity works hard to maintain the homeless shelter."
- "She maintains her parents financially while they're abroad."
- "They maintain the city's parks through local government funding."
- "His role as a caretaker allows him to maintain the well-being of the elderly residents."
Cultural Context
The word 'maintain' comes from the Middle French verb 'maintenir,' which means to hold in the hand or support. Over time, it evolved into a broader sense of continuing or keeping something in a state of existence or preservation.
The Power of Keeping It Together
Story
The Power of Keeping It Together
It was a bright Saturday morning, and Emma was in the garage, working diligently on her vintage car. As a mechanic, she knew that maintaining the car’s engine was key to keeping it running smoothly. She wiped the grease off her hands and stepped back to admire her work. 'If I don’t maintain it properly,' she thought, 'this car will fall apart, and that would be a disaster.' Emma had inherited the car from her grandfather, and it held sentimental value. Over the years, she’d maintained not just its mechanics but also its emotional importance to her family. Meanwhile, her younger brother Tom was in the living room, holding a heated conversation with their mother. 'I still don’t understand why you maintain that position, Mom. You know the company has cut benefits!' Tom argued, pacing back and forth. 'It’s simple,' their mother replied, 'I believe it’s the best way forward. I’m maintaining my belief because I have faith in the company’s vision.' Emma had overheard part of the conversation while passing by the open door. She admired her mother’s conviction, even if she didn’t entirely agree. Later that afternoon, as Emma and Tom sat down for a quiet lunch, their mother joined them with a smile. 'I think I’ve found a way to maintain both our family’s finances and the future of the company. It’s about finding balance.' She winked at Tom, who had his doubts. The rest of the weekend passed in a flurry of maintenance—Emma’s car was ready for another year, Tom had reluctantly agreed to help their mom with her financial planning, and they all maintained their connections as a family. By Sunday evening, as they sat around the dinner table, it felt like a job well done, despite the disagreements and challenges they had faced. Throughout the weekend, the word 'maintain' had been a thread woven into each task. From keeping the car in good shape to defending beliefs and managing resources, it was a reminder of the effort required to preserve what matters most.
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