maintain
Definitions
To keep something in good condition or at a certain level
维持；保持
To keep equipment or property in working order
维修；保养
To assert firmly that something is true
坚持主张；声称
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedHidden inside maintain is a hand. It comes from Latin manū tenēre, 'to hold in the hand': manus (hand) worn down to main-, plus tenēre (hold). To maintain something is to keep your hand on it so it stays in good order — a road, a relationship, a level. The 'assert' sense (maintain that...) is the same grip: you keep holding to your statement even under challenge.
Root tain still carries 87 more wordsWhy It Means This
Maintain looks like 'main' (chief) plus 'tain,' but main- here is actually Latin manus, 'hand.' The original phrase manū tenēre meant literally 'to hold in the hand.' That hand explains every sense: you keep something running by keeping a hand on it (maintain a car), you keep a position by holding firm (maintain order), and you keep insisting on a claim by not letting go of it (maintain your innocence).
Common Collocations
- 1.maintain order维持秩序
- 2.maintain a balance保持平衡
- 3.maintain standards维持标准
- 4.maintain that坚持认为
- 5.maintain control保持控制
Example Sentences
- 1.
It takes effort to maintain a long-distance friendship.
- 2.
The factory is closed while engineers maintain the machines.
- 3.
He maintained that he was innocent throughout the trial.