Sustaining is a word that is often misspelled due to its complex pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription of sustaining is /səˈsteɪnɪŋ/. The first syllable, "su", uses the schwa sound /ə/. The second syllable, "stain", has the long vowel sound /eɪ/, and a silent "t". The final syllable, "ing", uses the nasal consonant /ŋ/. When writing the word sustaining, it is important to focus on each phoneme and remember to drop the "t" sound in the middle syllable.
Sustaining is a verb that refers to the act of supporting, maintaining, or upholding something or someone over a period of time. It involves providing the necessary means, resources, or assistance to ensure the continuation or longevity of a particular condition, state, or entity.
In the context of individuals or living organisms, sustaining involves nourishing and preserving one's physical, mental, or emotional well-being. This may encompass actions such as eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, practicing self-care, and seeking medical attention when necessary.
When applied in the realm of organizations, institutions, or communities, sustaining implies the provision of the necessary resources, strategies, or measures that ensure their long-term existence or success. This may include financial support, effective management, implementing sustainable practices, or adapting to changing circumstances and needs.
Moreover, the concept of sustaining can extend to the environment, where it pertains to preserving natural resources, protecting ecosystems, and minimizing the negative impact of human activities on the planet's health and biodiversity.
Sustaining can also be linked to social, cultural, or economic aspects, whereby it involves the preservation of traditions, customs, or valuable practices that contribute to the cohesion and identity of a particular group or society. Additionally, it may refer to activities aimed at promoting economic development, stability, and the well-being of a community or region.
Overall, sustaining embodies the idea of continuity, support, and preservation to maintain the desired state or quality of something or someone.
Bearing; upholding; suffering.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word sustaining has its roots in the Latin word sustinere, which is a combination of sub (meaning under) and tenere (meaning to hold). The Latin word suggests the idea of upholding or holding up from beneath. Over time, sustinere evolved into the Old French word sustenir, which means to support. Eventually, it entered Middle English as sustenen, retaining the meaning of upholding or keeping something going. From there, it transformed into the present-day form sustaining, with the sense of maintaining or supporting.