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Sustain: meaning, definitions and examples

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sustain

 

[ səˈsteɪn ]

Verb / Noun
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

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

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

Examples of usage

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

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

Etymology

The word 'sustain' originated from the Latin word 'sustinere', which means 'to hold up'. It first appeared in the English language in the 13th century. Over time, 'sustain' has evolved to encompass various meanings related to maintaining, supporting, or providing for something.

See also: sustainability, sustainable, sustainably, sustained, sustaining, sustainment, sustenance, unsustainability, unsustainable.

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.