Retain, maintain or keep?

Question

Where is the difference between the mentioned words? Thanks in advance!

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

First, does your dictionary offer identical definitions?

Clive

Anonymous · Answer

retain:continue to have sth., keep possession of

maintain:cause or enable (a condition or state of affairs) to continue, keep sth. at the same level or rate

keep:have or retain posession of, retain or reserve for use in the future, continue or cause to continue in a specified condition, position, course, etc., provide for the sustenance of someone

sustain:strengthen or support phsyically or mentally, uphold, affirm, or confirm the justice or validity of

So now I get the difference between retain and maintain. But the others are still baffling to me.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

These two words have a lot of meanings, particularly 'keep'.

Rather than writing a long post, let me suggest you have a look at these two in a good learrner's dictionary, like this one.

http://www.oxfordadvancedlearnersdictionary.com/dictionary/sustain

http://www.oxfordadvancedlearnersdictionary.com/dictionary/keep

However, note this. Of all 4 words, 'keep' is by far the most commonly used. You could live for a year in an English-speaking country and possibly never hear soemone use the other three. Maybe.

After you look at this dictionary, ask again if you still need help.

Or you could write some sentences using these words, for us to check.

Clive

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