maintain /meɪnˈteɪn/ verb maintains; maintained; maintaining
maintains; maintained; maintaining
Learner's definition of MAINTAIN
[+ object]
1
: to cause (something) to exist or continue without changing维持；保持 -
They have always maintained high standards of professional conduct.他们一直保持着高标准的职业操守。
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He has found it difficult to maintain a healthy weight.他发现要保持健康的体重很困难。
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maintain a good reputation保持良好声誉
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They barely had enough food to maintain life. [=to make it possible for life to exist or continue]他们几乎没有足够的食物来维持生命。
2
: to keep (something) in good condition by making repairs, correcting problems, etc.维护；养护；保养 3
: to continue having or doing (something)持续；维持；继续做 -
She was finding it hard to maintain her balance.她发现要保持身体平衡很难。
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She still maintains a close relationship with her college roommate.她和大学室友仍然保持着密切的关系。
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It's difficult to maintain a correspondence when we're both so busy.我们两个都很忙的时候，要保持通信联系很难。
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The pilot was struggling to maintain control of the aircraft.飞行员正在奋力保持对飞机的控制。
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The police say that they will do whatever is necessary to maintain law and order.警方说，他们将竭尽全力维护治安。
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She continues to maintain her silence. [=she continues to say nothing]她继续保持着沉默。
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He was struggling to maintain his cool/composure. [=he was struggling not to become angry or upset]他当时在努力保持冷静。
4
: to say that (something) is true坚持；断言；主张 -
He maintains that such decisions are best left to local authorities.他主张这类决定最好交给地方当局。
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He continues to maintain his innocence. = He continues to maintain that he is innocent.他仍然坚称自己是无辜的。
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She maintains that my theory is flawed.她坚持说我的理论有缺陷。
5
: to provide support for (someone or something)支持；赡养