unintentionally-maintained
|un-in-ten-tion-al-ly-main-tained|
C1
/ˌʌnɪnˈtɛnʃənəli 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
kept in a certain state or condition without deliberate intention.
The garden was unintentionally-maintained, with wildflowers growing freely.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/20 02:24