Sustain: meaning, definitions and examples

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sustain

[səˈsteɪn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

keep going

To sustain means to keep something going or maintain it over time. It can also refer to supporting or upholding something, such as an idea or a cause.

Synonyms

maintain, support, uphold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sustain	Used when talking about keeping something going over time, particularly in terms of energy, resources, or effort. She managed to sustain her energy throughout the marathon The company aims to sustain its growth over the next five years
maintain	Used when referring to keeping something at a certain level or condition, often through regular care or effort. He maintains his car meticulously She tries to maintain a positive attitude despite the challenges
support	Used when referring to helping or holding something up, whether physically, emotionally, or financially. She supports her family with her income The beams support the structure of the house
uphold	Used when referring to maintaining something, such as a law, tradition, or standard, often with a sense of responsibility or duty. The judge vowed to uphold the constitution They strive to uphold family traditions during the holidays

Examples of usage

He found it hard to sustain a conversation with her.
She sustained serious injuries in the accident.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

provide for

To sustain can also mean to provide for or nourish something, such as a person or a community.

Synonyms

maintain, nourish, provide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sustain	This word is often used when talking about keeping something going over time, especially under challenging conditions. It can refer to physical support, like sustaining life, or more abstract forms, like sustaining an argument or effort. Many charities work to sustain the well-being of disadvantaged communities. He was able to sustain his argument despite strong opposition. The pillars sustain the weight of the building.
provide	Use 'provide' when talking about making something available or supplying a need. It's a general term that can be used in a wide range of contexts, from giving information to supplying resources. The company provides healthcare benefits to its employees. Can you provide more details about the project? They provide food and shelter to the homeless.
nourish	This word is best used when discussing providing something with the necessary resources for growth or health. It typically refers to physical nourishment but can also apply to emotional or intellectual support. The gardener nourishes the plants with compost and water. Parents should nourish their children's creativity and curiosity. A balanced diet helps nourish the body.
maintain	Use this word when talking about keeping something in good condition or at the same level. It often implies regular attention or effort. It's commonly used in contexts like equipment, health, or relationships. It's important to maintain your car to ensure it runs smoothly. She tries to maintain a positive attitude despite her challenges. The company aims to maintain high standards of service.

Examples of usage

The charity aims to sustain those in need with food and shelter.
The local economy is sustained by tourism.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

support

As a noun, sustain can refer to the support or backing for something, such as financial or moral support.

Synonyms

aid, backing, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sustain	Use 'sustain' when you need to talk about keeping something going over a period of time, like maintaining a condition, effort, or state. This word is often used in environmental, economic, or health contexts. We need to find new ways to sustain our natural resources. Her courage helped her sustain through tough times.
support	Use 'support' in a general context to describe assistance or help given to someone or something. It can be emotional, physical, financial, or moral support. He provides emotional support to his friends. The charity offers financial support to families in need.
backing	Use 'backing' when referring to support given to someone or something, often financial or moral support, and sometimes implies endorsement. The project received strong backing from the board of directors. Her proposal had the backing of the entire team.
aid	Use 'aid' when referring to providing help or assistance, often in a more formal context, such as governmental or humanitarian assistance. The government sent emergency aid to the flood victims. Medical aid was provided to those injured in the accident.

Examples of usage

The project received crucial sustain from the government.
The sustain of the community was vital for its success.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'sustain' comes from the Latin word 'sustinere', which means 'to hold up' or 'endure'.
In Middle English, it was used to describe the act of providing food or support.
The prefix 'sus-' means 'from below', indicating support or holding something from underneath.

Environmental Science

Sustainable practices focus on meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are essential for sustainable development since they minimize harm to the environment.
The phrase 'sustainable agriculture' refers to farming methods that maintain the health of the land and resources over time.

Psychology

Emotional sustainability refers to maintaining mental health and resilience during stress or adversity.
Practicing mindfulness can help sustain attention and focus over longer periods, improving productivity.
Social support from friends and family can sustain emotional well-being, especially in challenging times.

Business

Companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices to reduce waste and improve their impact on the planet.
Sustaining a competitive advantage often involves innovation, quality service, and adaptability to changing market conditions.
Corporate sustainability reports are created to assess and communicate a company’s impact on the environment and society.

Health & Wellness

Sustaining a healthy lifestyle includes balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and mental well-being practices.
Long-term health benefits are associated with sustainable habits, such as consistent physical activity.
Mindful eating encourages individuals to sustain healthy choices by being aware of their food intake and its effects.

Translations

Translations of the word "sustain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sustentar

🇮🇳 बनाए रखना

🇩🇪 erhalten

🇮🇩 mempertahankan

🇺🇦 підтримувати

🇵🇱 podtrzymywać

🇯🇵 維持する (iji suru)

🇫🇷 soutenir

🇪🇸 sostener

🇹🇷 sürdürmek

🇰🇷 유지하다 (yuji hada)

🇸🇦 يحافظ على (yuhafiz ealaa)

🇨🇿 udržovat

🇸🇰 udržiavať

🇨🇳 维持 (wéichí)

🇸🇮 vzdrževati

🇮🇸 viðhalda

🇰🇿 қолдау

🇬🇪 შენარჩუნება

🇦🇿 dəstəkləmək

🇲🇽 sostener

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,406, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4403 stranger
4404 acquainted
4405 ministry
4406 sustain
4407 criterion
4408 dwelling
4409 soluble
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