Sustained
səˈsteɪnd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo keep going or maintain for an extended period; to support or provide for.
səˈsteɪn
To maintain something for a period of time.
The company sustained a loss during the economic downturn.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to hold a conversation for a long time. To *sustain* it, you need to keep talking and not stop! Or, it could mean keeping something up, like a good grade. You need to study hard to sustain it.
👶 For kids: To keep something going, like keeping your breath while you swim.
More Examples
The athlete sustained an injury during the game.
How can we sustain this level of growth?
She struggled to sustain eye contact during the interview.
How It's Used
"The company sustained high profits for several years."
"The forest is not able to sustain the increasing number of species."
Continued or maintained for an extended period without interruption.
səˈsteɪnd
Continuing or being maintained for an extended period.
The painting was created with sustained brushstrokes.
💡 Simply: Imagine a long note in a song – it's *sustained*, meaning it keeps going without a break. Or a long, steady effort, like *sustained* hard work.
👶 For kids: Something that keeps going for a long time, like a long beep.
More Examples
There was a sustained period of economic growth.
The sustained effort eventually paid off.
The sustained silence was unnerving.
How It's Used
"The sustained notes created a feeling of suspense."
"There was a sustained round of applause after his speech."
Synonyms
Bear
Continue
Endure
Maintain
Prolong
Constant
Continuous
Prolonged
Idioms & expressions
Sustained attention
The ability to focus on a task or activity for a long time.
"Children with ADHD can have difficulty maintaining sustained attention in the classroom."
Sustained release
A term used in pharmacology which describes the gradual release of a drug over time.
"The patient was prescribed a sustained-release medication for pain management."
From Middle French *sostener*, from Latin *sustinēre* meaning 'to hold up, support'.
The word 'sustained' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially with meanings related to 'upholding' or 'supporting'. The meaning of 'continuing' developed over time.
Memory tip
Imagine holding a heavy object – you need to sustain your grip to keep it from falling.