What is maintain? Pronunciation and usage in English

maintain means . Learn how to pronounce and use maintain through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of maintain

maintainverb

/meɪnˈteɪn//mənˈteɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of maintain

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "maintain." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown with audio examples (you can click the links to hear it):

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "main": This part sounds like "mine" – rhymes with "fine" or "sign." It's pronounced /meɪn/.
  • "tain": This part is the trickiest. It sounds like "tin" (as in a can) followed by an "ay" sound. It’s pronounced /teɪn/.

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced as /meɪn teɪn/.

Here’s a breakdown of the sounds:

  • "meɪ": The ‘a’ is a broad, long ‘a’ sound like in ‘say’. It’s a diphthong (two vowel sounds blending together).
  • "n": A standard ‘n’ sound.
  • "teɪ": The ‘a’ is the same long ‘a’ sound.
  • "n": Another ‘n’ sound.

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Emphasis: The stress is on the first syllable ("main").
  • Linking: The 'n' sound at the end of "main" links smoothly into the 'n' sound at the end of "tain."
  • Practice: Say it slowly at first, then gradually speed up. Repeat after an audio example.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation again?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "maintain"?

Usage and examples with the word maintain in English

Let's break down how to use the word "maintain" in English. It's a versatile word with multiple meanings, so it's important to understand the context. Here's a breakdown of its common uses, with examples:

1. To Keep Something in Good Condition (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To keep something in its current state, preventing it from deteriorating or becoming worse. This often applies to physical objects, but can also be used for relationships or systems.
  • Examples:
    • "You need to maintain your car regularly to keep it running smoothly." (Meaning: to keep it in good working order)
    • "She maintains her garden beautifully all year round." (Meaning: keeps it looking nice)
    • "It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.” (Meaning: to keep it healthy and strong)
    • “The building needs to be maintained; the roof is leaking.” (Meaning: needs repairs to keep it intact)

2. To Continue to Do Something

  • Meaning: To keep doing something consistently.
  • Examples:
    • "He maintained his position as CEO for over twenty years." (Meaning: continued to hold the position)
    • "Despite the challenges, she maintained her optimism." (Meaning: continued to have a positive attitude)
    • “The company maintained a strong presence in the market.” (Meaning: continued to have a significant presence)

3. To Hold a Belief or Opinion Firmly

  • Meaning: To stick to a particular belief or opinion.
  • Examples:
    • "He maintained that he had not seen the suspect." (Meaning: insisted on his story)
    • "She maintained her innocence throughout the trial.” (Meaning: stubbornly refused to admit guilt)
    • "The scientist maintained his theory even after new evidence emerged." (Meaning: held onto his theory)

4. To Keep a Certain Level or Standard (Often in Business/Operations)

  • Meaning: To ensure that something remains at a specific level or standard.
  • Examples:
    • "The factory maintains strict quality control standards." (Meaning: enforces standards to keep quality high)
    • "The bank maintains a reserve of funds to cover potential losses." (Meaning: keeps a certain amount of money on hand)
    • “The system maintains a constant temperature.” (Meaning: keeps the temperature steady)

5. (Less Common) To Support Physically

  • Meaning: To hold something up or support it.
  • Example: "He had to maintain the ladder while his partner painted the wall." (Meaning: hold the ladder steady)

Key Considerations & Synonyms:

  • Verb vs. Noun: "Maintain" can be used as either a verb or a noun.

    • Verb: “She maintains her house.” (action of keeping it up)
    • Noun: “Maintenance is a key factor in the building’s upkeep.” (the act of keeping something in good condition)

  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, you might use words like:

    • Keep
    • Preserve
    • Uphold
    • Continue
    • Sustain
    • Preserve
    • Protect
    • Hold onto

How to Choose the Right Meaning:

  • Look at the context: The surrounding words and the overall situation will tell you which meaning is intended.
  • Consider the subject: Is it a physical object, a system, a belief, or something else?

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "maintain" in? (e.g., are you writing a sentence, having a conversation, preparing for an exam?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word maintain

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