maintenance - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
maintenance Word Meanings
- the process of keeping something in good condition
- the upkeep of facilities to ensure hygiene
- regular service and repair of sanitary structures
maintenance Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
maintenance Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈmeɪn.tən.əns/
US
/ˈmeɪn.tən.əns/
maintenance Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'maintain' (to hold) + 'ance' (state of). Historical origin: Latin 'manu tenere' → Old French 'maintenir' → English 'maintenance'. Memory image: Imagine a caretaker constantly checking and fixing public bathrooms to ensure they are clean and functional.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
First I reach for the toolbox and set my hands to work. I tighten a bolt, then switch to cleaning and adjust the hoses as they loosen with use. The rhythm is steady, a small push here, a careful pull there, and a momentary pause to check the fit. By keeping at it, the room feels calmer, and the routine shows itself as maintenance in action.
Real Context
Maintenance is the ongoing set of actions and routines needed to keep people, places, and things functioning well. It covers inspections, cleaning, repairs, and replacements that prevent decay or breakdown. In facilities management, maintenance ensures safety, hygiene, and accessibility by keeping systems such as plumbing, electrical, and climate control in good order. The term also appears in contexts like software maintenance, where updates and bug fixes extend a product's useful life. Good maintenance reduces downtime, prolongs asset value, and supports reliable performance. When planning maintenance, schedules, budgets, and clear responsibilities matter just as much as technical know-how. Think of maintenance as regular care that preserves function over time.
Usage Reminders
- Use maintenance for ongoing care, not a one-off fix.
- Treat maintenance as a planned activity with a schedule.
- Link maintenance to reliability and safety.
- Differentiate between maintenance and repair; maintenance aims to prevent.
- Use 'facility maintenance' for buildings or equipment maintenance.
- Practice phrases like 'maintenance plan' and 'routine maintenance'.
Common Misconceptions
- Maintenance = repair; they are not the same, maintenance is preventive care.
- Maintenance is only for buildings, not services or software.
- Maintenance is a one-time event, not an ongoing process.
- Maintenance means doing a lot of work at once; it should be spread out.
- Maintenance always fixes things instantly; some issues require longer planning.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: maintenance is a broad, ongoing care concept rather than a one-off repair.
Learning Tips
- Stress the noun form and common collocations like maintenance plan and routine maintenance.
- Differentiate maintenance from repair; remember maintenance is preventive.
- Practice talking about maintenance in buildings, facilities, and software contexts.
- Use both short and long phrases: preventive maintenance, scheduled maintenance.
- Pair maintenance with safety and reliability concepts for realism.
- Create real-world scenarios: inspections, cleaning, and parts replacement.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'maintenance'?
A.Destruction
B.Repair
C.Improvement
D.Celebration
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'maintenance' correctly?
A.Regular maintenance is essential to keep appliances working properly.
B.He decided to skip maintenance on his car, thinking it's unnecessary.
C.She maintains a strict diet to maintenance her weight.
D.The maintenance man fixed the broken sink in no time.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'maintenance'?
A.Preservation
B.Assistance
C.Neglect
D.Connection
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'maintenance'?
A.Enhancement
B.Restoration
C.Deterioration
D.Development
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context for 'maintenance'?
A.She regularly cleans and repairs her bike to keep it in good condition.
B.He likes to go on adventures and explore different cultures.
C.They often meet up for coffee to catch up on each other's lives.
D.The team worked hard to achieve their goal and win the championship.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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