1 to make sth continue at the same level, standard, etc 维持；保持: We need to maintain the quality of our goods but not increase the price. 我们要保持货品的质量但又不加价。to maintain law and order 维持法律和秩序

2 to keep sth in good condition by checking and repairing it regularly 保养；维修: to maintain a road/building/machine 保养道路╱建筑╱机器The house is large and expensive to maintain. 这房子很大，维修要花很多钱。

3 to keep saying that sth is true even when others disagree or do not believe it 坚称；断言: I still maintain that I was right to sack him. 我依然认为，我开除他没错儿。She has always maintained her innocence. 她一直坚称自己清白。

4 to support sb with your own money 供养；赡养；扶养: He has to maintain two children from his previous marriage. 他要扶养上一段婚姻的两名子女。