maintenance etymology

Etymology

  • Origin: Old French maintenance, from maintenir, meaning "to hold, keep"
  • Latin: manu tenere, meaning "to hold in the hand"
  • Proto-Indo-European: *men-, *ten-, meaning "to hold"

Meaning and Origin

The term "maintenance" originally referred to the act of keeping something in a particular state or condition. In medieval times, it denoted the upkeep and repair of property, especially castles and fortresses.

Over time, the meaning of "maintenance" broadened to encompass:

  • The act of preserving or sustaining something
  • The support or nourishment of something
  • The care or supervision of something
  • The payment of regular sums for the support of someone or something
  • The use of services or resources to keep something in operation

Today, "maintenance" is commonly used in various contexts, including:

  • Engineering: The upkeep and repair of equipment, machines, and structures
  • IT: The management and care of computer systems and networks
  • Health care: The ongoing care and treatment of patients with chronic conditions
  • Finances: Regular payments for support or expenses
  • Law: The obligation to provide financial or other support

maintenance relate terms

  • maintain

    Etymology Derived from the Old French word maintenir which means to hold keep or

  • alimony

    Etymology The word alimony comes from the Latin word alere meaning to nourish Me

  • care

    Etymology From Middle English care from Old English cāru meaning sorrow anxiety g

  • sustenance

    Etymology Latin substantia substance property Proto Indo European sth₁ sta

  • sustentation

    Etymology French soutènement from soutenir to sustain Latin sustentāre from sus

  • welfare

    Etymology The word welfare derives from the Old English word wealfaru which combines

  • scholarship

    Etymology The word scholarship has its roots in the Latin scholaris which means of

  • democracy

    Etymology The word democracy is derived from the Greek words dēmos δήμος mea

  • reparation

    Etymology The word reparation comes from the Latin word reparātiō meaning restor

  • mend

    Etymology Middle English menden from Old English mendan meaning to repair improve

  • overhaul

    Etymology The word overhaul originated in the 16th century from the Middle English word