inconsistently-maintained
|in-con-sist-ent-ly-main-tained|
C1
/ˌɪnkənˈsɪstəntli meɪnˈteɪnd/
(maintain)
keep in existence
Etymology
Etymology Information
'maintain' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'maintenir,' where 'main' meant 'hand' and 'tenir' meant 'to hold.'
Historical Evolution
'maintenir' transformed into the Middle English word 'maintainen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'maintain.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to hold in the hand,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to keep in good condition.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not regularly or reliably kept in good condition or order.
The garden was inconsistently-maintained, with some areas flourishing and others overgrown.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/30 09:02