v.
1 continue, preserve, persevere in, keep going, persist in, keep (up), carry on, retain, perpetuate, prolong, sustain, uphold:
Sarah maintained friendly relations with her ex-husband. Try to maintain your composure
2 look after, take care of, care for, preserve, (keep in) service, keep up, keep in repair; nurture, support:
It is expensive to maintain a vintage car. Allison maintains an ancient aunt in Piddlington
3 hold, state, say, declare, claim, assert, allege, testify, contend, aver, avow, announce, proclaim, vouchsafe, profess, insist (on), affirm:
Despite evidence to the contrary, he maintains that he is innocent.
4 defend, stand by, keep, fight for; take up the cudgels for, make a case for, advocate, champion, take or make a stand for, plead for, back (up), support, vindicate, justify, Colloq go to bat for:
He maintained his ground in the face of virulent attacks.
verb
1 keep sth at the same level
VERB + MAINTAIN
be anxious to, want to
We are anxious to maintain our close links with the police.
| have to, need to | strive to, try to | help (to) | be able to | be difficult to
The government's position became increasingly difficult to maintain.
PHRASES
the duty/need to maintain sth
He emphasized the need to maintain the status quo.
2 keep sth in good condition
ADV.
properly, well | poorly
a poorly maintained central heating system
VERB + MAINTAIN
be difficult to | be easy to
PHRASES
be responsible for maintaining sth
Random quote: Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.: Mark Twain
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