rarely-maintained
|rare-ly-main-tained|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈrɛrli meɪnˈteɪnd/
🇬🇧
/ˈreəli 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 often kept in good condition or repaired.
The garden was rarely-maintained, with overgrown weeds and broken fences.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/30 09:56