irregularly-maintained
|ir-reg-u-lar-ly-main-tained|
C1
🇺🇸
/ɪˈrɛɡjələrli meɪnˈteɪnd/
🇬🇧
/ɪˈrɛɡjʊləli 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 a certain state or condition.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not kept in a consistent or regular state of repair or upkeep.
The garden was irregularly-maintained, with weeds growing everywhere.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/24 12:13