Maintainance or Maintenance: The Correct Spellings

The history of the word "maintenance" dates back to the late Middle Ages, where it was used in the context of the legal system, referring to the provision of support or the upkeep of property. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a wider range of applications related to preservation and care.

The correct spelling is "maintenance," not "maintainance." The difference lies in the spelling; "maintenance" is derived from the Old French word "maintenir," which means to keep, hold, or sustain. The suffix "-ance" is used in English to form nouns from verbs. In this case, "maintenir" becomes "maintenance," signifying the action of maintaining. "Maintainance" is a common misspelling that has no historical basis and is considered incorrect.

To remember how to spell "maintenance," one might think of the base word "maintain" and then add the common noun-forming suffix "-ance." Another trick is to remember that there is "ten" in "maintenance," just like the word "maintain," helping to keep the "i" before the "e."

Incorrect: Car owners should not neglect regular maintainance checks to ensure safety.

Correct: Car owners should not neglect regular maintenance checks to ensure safety.

Incorrect: The machine's maintainance manual provides detailed instructions.

Correct: The machine's maintenance manual provides detailed instructions.

Incorrect: The building's maintainance is managed by a professional company.

Correct: The building's maintenance is managed by a professional company.

Incorrect: Maintainance work on the bridge will continue until next month.

Correct: Maintenance work on the bridge will continue until next month.

Incorrect: A good maintainance plan can help extend the life of your appliances.

Correct: A good maintenance plan can help extend the life of your appliances.

Financial support provided on a regular basis.

The upkeep of property or equipment.

The act of continuing or preserving something.

Activities involved in keeping something in good working order.

The process of sustaining someone's life or lifestyle.

He is responsible for the maintenance of the public gardens.

Proper maintenance of your bike will ensure it lasts for years.

Regular maintenance is crucial to keep the machine operating efficiently.

The software requires little maintenance once it's installed.

Without proper maintenance, the engine could fail prematurely.

They have a strict maintenance schedule for all their rental properties.

Maintenance costs for the building have increased this year.

The old theater is in desperate need of some structural maintenance.

The maintenance of a healthy diet contributes to overall well-being.

Her maintenance of old friendships is admirable in our fast-paced world.

An attitude focused on preserving the status quo and preventing issues.

A way of living that requires little effort or upkeep.

A situation where something remains in good condition with little to no effort.

A relationship that requires a lot of time, effort, and resources to sustain.

Someone responsible for the upkeep and repairs of a building or area.

A state of operation where the focus is on preservation rather than growth or change.

Following a routine or plan for upkeep and care.

A lifestyle or situation that doesn't require much upkeep or personal effort.

Efforts taken to keep oneself psychologically well and balanced.

Regularly scheduled activities designed to keep equipment or systems running smoothly.

"Maintainance" is incorrect because it does not reflect the proper etymology of the word, which stems from the French "maintenir" plus the English suffix "-ance." The correct spelling is "maintenance."

The correct pronunciation of "maintenance" is "MAYN-tuh-nuhns."

No, "maintenance" cannot be used as a verb; the verb form is "maintain."

The word "maintenance" does not have other forms; it is both the singular and plural noun form.

Remember that "maintenance" contains "maintain" and the suffix "-ance." There is no extra "i" after the "n."

The word "maintenance" comes from the Old French term "maintenir," which means to keep or sustain, and the suffix "-ance," which forms nouns.

The usage of "maintenance" is the same in both British and American English, but pronunciation and some related legal terms might differ.

In technical and IT fields, "maintenance" refers to the regular process of checking, repairing, and updating equipment or software to ensure smooth operation.

In a legal context, "maintenance" refers to the provision of financial support for a person's living expenses, or the undue support of one party by another in a lawsuit, both of which are consistent with the general meaning of maintaining or supporting.

Yes, "maintenance" can be used metaphorically to refer to the necessity of keeping up or sustaining non-physical entities, such as relationships.

The adjective form of "maintenance" is "maintainable," meaning capable of being maintained.