Sustenance is a noun that refers to food or nourishment. The spelling is often tricky for non-native English speakers, as it includes the unusual combination of four consonants in a row (stnc). The IPA phonetic transcription of "sustenance" is /ˈsʌst(ə)nəns/, with the stressed syllable being the first one. Understanding the phonology of a word can be helpful in learning how to spell it correctly. Sustenance is a fundamental feature of human life, and its proper spelling is important in communicating effectively in written English.
Sustenance refers to the act or process of providing nourishment or support, especially in terms of food, drinks, or necessary resources to maintain life or well-being. It encompasses the essential elements required to sustain a person, animal, or plant.
In a literal sense, sustenance primarily relates to the intake of food or fluids that provide energy, nutrients, and hydration to sustain and facilitate bodily functions. It encompasses the essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats required for the proper functioning and growth of living organisms.
However, the concept of sustenance extends beyond physical nourishment. It also encompasses the means or resources necessary for the survival or livelihood of individuals or communities. This can include access to healthcare, shelter, clean water, education, employment, and other fundamental requirements that contribute to overall well-being and quality of life.
Moreover, sustenance can also be associated with emotional and psychological support, serving as a source of comfort, encouragement, or reassurance during challenging times. This aspect refers to the sustenance of the mind and soul, whereby individuals find solace, motivation, and resilience through social connections, relationships, spiritual beliefs, or personal interests.
Overall, sustenance encompasses the diverse range of provisions, whether physical, material, or psychosocial, that are necessary to maintain life, support growth, and ensure the well-being of individuals, communities, and ecosystems.
Support; food; victuals.
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 "sustenance" originated from the Latin word "sustentare", which is a combination of the prefix "sub-" meaning "under" and the verb "tenere" meaning "to hold". In Latin, "sustentare" evolved into "sustentō", which meant "to nourish" or "to sustain". Over time, the word was adopted into Old French as "sustenir", which later became "sustenence" in Middle English. Eventually, it transformed into the modern English term "sustenance", which refers to the act of nourishing and providing support or food to sustain life.