maintain
UK[meɪnˈteɪn]US[meɪnˈteɪn]
v
to cause something to continue; to keep something in existence or in good condition.
v
to state something strongly as true, especially when others disagree or doubt it.
v
to provide someone with the money and other things they need to live.
Morpheme Breakdown
main
tain
main
hand
tain
hold
Etymology
the word 'maintain' entered english in the 13th century from old french 'maintenir', which itself derives from the latin phrase 'manu tenēre', literally meaning 'to hold in the hand'. this concrete image of physically holding or keeping something evolved into the more abstract senses of keeping something in a certain state or condition. the semantic core of 'holding' from the latin root 'tenēre' persists in the modern meanings of preserving, supporting, and asserting a position as if holding it firm.
Analysis
Structure: main (hand) + tain (hold)
main from latin 'manus' (hand), tain from latin 'tenēre' (to hold).
Examples
the government is trying to maintain economic stability.
he has always maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
he has to work two jobs to maintain his family.