maintain
Translation
to maintain, to assert, to service, to support
Examples
We need to maintain high standards.
We need to maintain high standards.
He maintains that he is innocent.
He maintains that he is innocent.
The car is expensive to maintain.
The car is expensive to maintain.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to cause (sth.) to continue at the same level We need to maintain high standards.
((that + clause)) to express a firm belief in (sth.) He maintains that he is innocent.
((sth.)) to keep a building or machine in good condition The car is expensive to maintain.
Similar Words
Etymology
From Latin 'manu tenere', meaning 'to hold in the hand'. This gives the sense of keeping something securely.
Memory Tips
Think of 'main' as 'hand' (from Latin 'manus') and 'tain' as 'hold' (from Latin 'tenere'). You are 'holding it in your hand' to keep it going.