sustain — to maintain or keep something going over time
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to maintain or keep something going over time
Pronunciation (IPA): /səˈsteɪn/
Example Sentences
- My phone battery can barely sustain a full day of Instagram scrolling.
- The old bridge sustained heavy damage during the earthquake.
- He sustained his energy by drinking 10 cups of coffee a day.
sustain
VERB[/səˈsteɪn/]
to maintain or keep something going over time
The village survived the harsh winter by learning how to sustain itself with limited supplies.
The organization struggled to sustain public trust after the scandal. (SUPPORT + MAINTAIN = SUSTAIN → keeping something going without collapse)
Only teams that could sustain focus were able to remain competitive and eventually regain momentum.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'sustenir' and Latin 'sustinere', composed of 'sub-' (up, from below) and 'tenere' (to hold). The word originally meant to hold up or support physically, later developing the meaning of maintaining something over time.
Breakdown
sus- (from sub-, under/up) + -tain (from Latin tenere, to hold) = sustain (to hold up, maintain)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My phone battery can barely sustain a full day of Instagram scrolling.”
“The old bridge sustained heavy damage during the earthquake.”
“He sustained his energy by drinking 10 cups of coffee a day.”
“Solar panels help sustain the building's energy needs.”
📚Related Words
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