Sustaining
/səˈsteɪnɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo provide the means for something to continue; to support or maintain something at a certain level or intensity.
/səˈsteɪn/
To keep something going; to provide support or maintenance.
The pillars sustained the weight of the roof.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a tower of blocks. To 'sustain' it, you have to keep adding blocks carefully so it doesn't fall down. It's about keeping something going or supported.
👶 For kids: To keep something going, like keeping your energy up by eating food!
More Examples
She sustained her argument with evidence and logic.
The charity sustains the local orphanage.
We need to sustain our efforts if we want to reach our goal.
How It's Used
"The organization is working to sustain the environment."
"The company must find ways to sustain profits during the economic downturn."
To undergo or experience (something, typically something unpleasant or undesirable).
/səˈsteɪn/
To suffer or experience something unpleasant.
The boxer sustained a broken nose in the fight.
💡 Simply: Imagine you get a boo-boo. To 'sustain' it means you feel the pain or experience the injury. It's about going through something tough.
👶 For kids: To get something bad, like getting a scratch.
More Examples
He sustained a significant loss of income due to the pandemic.
She sustained an injury while training for the marathon.
The building sustained damage during the storm.
How It's Used
"The patient sustained serious injuries in the accident."
"The defendant sustained the brunt of the accusations."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Middle English susteynen, from Old French sustenir, from Latin sustinere ('to hold up, support').
Historically, 'sustain' has been used in legal contexts to indicate upholding a claim or argument.
Memory tip
Think of a ship needing to sustain itself with supplies to continue its journey.
Word Origin
"to hold up, support"