Definitions
- Referring to keeping something in good condition or preserving its original state. - Talking about continuing to do something regularly or consistently. - Describing the act of asserting or defending a position or belief.
- Referring to supporting or defending a principle, law, or value. - Talking about maintaining a standard or level of quality. - Describing the act of keeping a promise or commitment.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words involve maintaining or preserving something.
- 2Both words can be used to describe supporting or defending a position or belief.
- 3Both words can be used in formal or professional contexts.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Maintain is more commonly used than uphold in everyday language.
- 2Meaning: Maintain emphasizes the act of keeping something in good condition or continuing to do something regularly, while uphold emphasizes the act of supporting or defending a principle, law, or value.
- 3Connotation: Maintain is neutral in tone, while uphold can have a positive or negative connotation depending on the context.
- 4Scope: Maintain can refer to a wide range of things, while uphold is more specific to principles, laws, or values.
- 5Formality: Uphold is generally considered more formal than maintain.
Remember this!
While both maintain and uphold involve preserving or supporting something, they differ in their emphasis and usage. Maintain is more commonly used and refers to keeping something in good condition or continuing to do something regularly. Uphold, on the other hand, emphasizes supporting or defending a principle, law, or value and is generally considered more formal.
