maintains

Maintains is the third-person singular present tense of the verb maintain. The core sense is to keep something in an existing or desired state, condition, or level, often through regular care or oversight. It can also mean to assert or uphold a claim or position, or to provide financial or logistical support to sustain someone or something.

The word derives from Old French maintenir, from Latin manutenere, literally "to hold by the hand" (manus "hand" + tenere "to hold"), reflecting the idea of preserving or supporting. In modern use, maintain is common in technical, administrative, and professional contexts.

Common uses include physical upkeep, such as maintaining machinery, buildings, or infrastructure; preserving data, records, or standards; and sustaining conditions, such as maintaining temperature, balance, or a policy. It is also used in argumentation or reporting: a scientist maintains a conclusion when she continues to claim it based on the available evidence. In finance or household management, to maintain can mean to provide ongoing support or funding.

Grammar: maintains is used with a singular subject (the system maintains..., she maintains...). Related forms include maintenance (the act or process of maintaining) and maintainable (capable of being maintained). See also maintain, maintenance, maintainable, maintenance schedule.