French word

maintenir

Pronunciation

IPA/mɛ̃təniʁ/

Meaning

  • verbkeep

Example

Je dois maintenir ma voiture en bon état.

I have to keep my car in good condition.

Illustration for maintenir (keep)

More examples

Elle doit maintenir son rythme de travail.

She has to keep up her work pace.

Core concept

A support keeps an object, system, or quality from slipping out of its current state.

Common phrases

  • maintenir le contact

    keep in touch

  • maintenir le rythme

    keep the rhythm

Similar words

garder: Keep something in its current state or position.
tenir: Continue holding something securely with a hand or arm.

Definition in French

Conserver un état, une condition ou une qualité en empêchant leur changement.

Word origin

The verb is an Old French continuation of Latin manu tenere, literally 'to hold by hand', with the two elements expressing controlled preservation.

Usage tips

  • Maintenir is common in formal, administrative, and technical contexts, while garder or tenir often sounds more natural in everyday speech.

Other meanings

  • retainverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word