1. | ~ sth 维持；保持to make sth continue at the same level, standard, etc. |
to maintain law and order/standards/a balance 维持治安；保持水平╱平衡 | |
The two countries have always maintained close relations. 这两个国家一直保持着密切关系。 | |
She maintained a dignified silence. 她一言不发，面容威严。 | |
to maintain prices(= prevent them falling or rising) 维持价格的稳定 |
2. | ~ sth 维修；保养to keep a building, a machine, etc. in good condition by checking or repairing it regularly |
The house is large and difficult to maintain. 房子很大，难以养护。 |
3. | 坚持（意见）；固执己见to keep stating that sth is true, even though other people do not agree or do not believe it |
The men maintained (that) they were out of the country when the crime was committed. 这几个男人坚持说案发时他们在国外。 | |
She has always maintained her innocence . 她一直坚持说她是无辜的。 | |
‘But I'm innocent!’ she maintained. “但是我是无辜的！”她坚持道。 |
4. | ~ sb/sth 供养；扶养to support sb/sth over a long period of time by giving money, paying for food, etc. |
Her income was barely enough to maintain one child, let alone three. 她的收入养活一个孩子几乎都不够，更不用说三个了。 |
