To firmly state and continue to hold a particular opinion or position, especially when it is challenged.
“Despite the counterarguments, I maintain that public parks should remain free for everyone.”
“I still maintain that early exposure to technology benefits children's learning.”
In Speaking Task 7, use 'maintain' as a verb of assertion (e.g., 'I maintain that...') to sound more academic than repeating 'I think' or 'I believe.' It works especially well when restating your opinion near the end of your response after presenting a counterargument, showing the rater that your position hasn't changed. Note that the stress falls on the second syllable.
Synonyms: assert, insist, uphold