1cause or enable (a condition or situation) to continue:the need to maintain close links between industry and schools keep (something) at the same level or rate:agricultural prices will have to be maintained keep (a building, machine, or road) in good condition by checking or repairing it regularly: the Department for Transport is responsible for maintaining the main roads in England
2provide with necessities for life or existence:the allowance covers the basic costs of maintaining a child keep (a military unit) supplied with equipment and other requirements: an English garrison was maintained there in the seventeenth century archaic give one’s support to; uphold:the king swears he will maintain the laws of God
3 [reporting verb] state something strongly to be the case; assert: [with object]:he has always maintained his innocence [with clause]:he had persistently maintained that he would not stand against his old friend
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Pronunciation:
/-ˈbɪlɪti/
noun -
adjective
