How Do You Spell SUSTAIN?

Pronunciation: [səstˈe͡ɪn] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "sustain" can be explained through the use of IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced /səˈsteɪn/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "s" in "sustain" is pronounced as /s/, while the "u" is pronounced as /ə/, which is a schwa sound. The "t" is pronounced as /t/, and the "a" is pronounced as /eɪ/. The final letter "n" is pronounced as /n/. Overall, the spelling of "sustain" accurately represents its phonetic pronunciation.

SUSTAIN Meaning and Definition

  1. Sustain is a verb that carries multiple meanings, primarily referring to the act of maintaining, supporting, or upholding something. It can be used in various contexts, including physical, environmental, and abstract situations.

    In a physical sense, sustain means to endure or withstand something, often used to describe the ability of an object or structure to bear weight or pressure without breaking or collapsing. For example, a well-built bridge can sustain heavy traffic without structural damage.

    In an environmental sense, sustain refers to the preservation or conservation of natural resources, ensuring responsible usage that does not deplete or harm the ecosystem. This concept is essential for maintaining biodiversity and the balance of ecosystems.

    In an abstract and metaphorical sense, sustain relates to emotional, mental, or spiritual aspects. It denotes the ability to support or uphold someone's well-being or moral character, and can be used to describe actions that nourish or maintain relationships, values, or personal growth.

    Furthermore, sustain can also imply the continuation or prolongation of a particular state, practice, or condition. For example, sustainable development signifies an approach that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.

    Overall, sustain encompasses notions of endurance, support, preservation, and continuity in diverse contexts, highlighting the importance of responsible actions and guardianship for the well-being of individuals, communities, and the environment.

  2. To bear or hold up; to keep from falling; to keep alive; to maintain; to suffer, as a loss.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SUSTAIN *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SUSTAIN

Etymology of SUSTAIN

The word "sustain" dates back to Late Middle English, derived from the Old French word "sustenir" which means "to endure" or "to bear". It is further derived from the Latin word "sustinere", which combines "sub" (meaning "up") and "tenere" (meaning "to hold"). So, the ultimate origin of "sustain" can be traced back to the Latin roots connoting support or holding up.

Idioms with the word SUSTAIN

  • sustain sm in sth The idiom "sustain someone in something" means to provide financial or emotional support to someone in a particular state or condition, typically one that requires ongoing assistance or maintenance. It refers to helping someone to continue or maintain a certain lifestyle, position, or situation.

Similar spelling words for SUSTAIN

Conjugate verb Sustain

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have sustained
you would have sustained
he/she/it would have sustained
we would have sustained
they would have sustained
I would have sustain
you would have sustain
he/she/it would have sustain
we would have sustain
they would have sustain

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been sustaining
you would have been sustaining
he/she/it would have been sustaining
we would have been sustaining
they would have been sustaining

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would sustain
you would sustain
he/she/it would sustain
we would sustain
they would sustain

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be sustaining
you would be sustaining
he/she/it would be sustaining
we would be sustaining
they would be sustaining

FUTURE

I will sustain
you will sustain
he/she/it will sustain
we will sustain
they will sustain

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be sustaining
you will be sustaining
he/she/it will be sustaining
we will be sustaining
they will be sustaining

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have sustained
you will have sustained
he/she/it will have sustained
we will have sustained
they will have sustained

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been sustaining
you will have been sustaining
he/she/it will have been sustaining
we will have been sustaining
they will have been sustaining

IMPERATIVE

you sustain
we let´s sustain

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to sustain

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was sustaining
you were sustaining
he/she/it was sustaining
we were sustaining
they were sustaining

PAST PARTICIPLE

sustained

PAST PERFECT

I had sustained
you had sustained
he/she/it had sustained
we had sustained
they had sustained

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been sustaining
you had been sustaining
he/she/it had been sustaining
we had been sustaining
they had been sustaining

PRESENT

I sustain
you sustain
he/she/it sustains
we sustain
they sustain

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am sustaining
you are sustaining
he/she/it is sustaining
we are sustaining
they are sustaining

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

sustaining

PRESENT PERFECT

I have sustained
you have sustained
he/she/it has sustained
we have sustained
they have sustained

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been sustaining
you have been sustaining
he/she/it has been sustaining
we have been sustaining
they have been sustaining

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it sustain

SIMPLE PAST

I sustained
you sustained
he/she/it sustained
we sustained
they sustained

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: