poorly-maintained
|poor-ly-main-tained|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈpʊrli meɪnˈteɪnd/
🇬🇧
/ˈpɔːli 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
in a state of disrepair or neglect due to insufficient upkeep.
The garden was poorly-maintained, with weeds growing everywhere.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/04/18 10:07