opprettholde

Opprettholde is a Norwegian verb meaning to maintain, sustain, or uphold something over time. It describes keeping a condition, standard, relationship, or process in place, and can apply to physical, social, or abstract objects. The action is transitive, so one opprettholder noe (one maintains something). In common usage, tense forms include opprettholder (present), opprettholdt (past), and har opprettholdt (present perfect). The related noun opprettholdelse refers to the act or process of maintaining.

Common contexts for opprettholde include maintaining order and calm (opprettholde ro og orden), preserving quality (opprettholde kvaliteten), and keeping a commitment or policy (opprettholde en avtale, opprettholde en praksis). In legal or governmental language, the verb is used to indicate that a ruling, law, or regulation is kept in force or upheld on appeal or review (å opprettholde en dom).

Etymologically, opprettholde is formed with the prefix opp- added to the base rettholde, conveying the sense of upholding or keeping up. The term is neutral and formal, suitable for official writing, journalism, and academic contexts.

Related terms include vedlikeholde (to maintain, typically referring to upkeep of equipment or infrastructure) and bevare (to preserve). Opprettholde emphasizes continuity and stability, rather than a one-time action, and is commonly used across everyday language and public discourse.

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