maintenir/mɛ̃t.nɑ̃/
verb · B1 · Frequency 640
verb
Meanings
to maintain, keep, or persist
Indicates keeping a state, condition, or action ongoing.
to stick to (an opinion, position, etc.)
Indicates adhering firmly to an opinion or position.
maintain order
Used to describe actions of maintaining fairness or order.
Examples
En maintenant la température constante, le système réduit sa consommation d'énergie.
By maintaining a constant temperature, the system reduces its energy consumption.
En maintenant sa position malgré les critiques, la chercheuse a défendu ses résultats.
By sticking to her position despite the criticism, the researcher defended her results.
En maintenant l'ordre pendant le débat, la médiatrice est restée impartiale.
By maintaining order during the debate, the mediator remained impartial.
Grammar note
Maintenir is an irregular third-group verb using avoir as auxiliary in compound tenses; as an essential pronominal verb, it must be used with reflexive pronouns.