Definitions
- Referring to keeping something in good condition or preserving its original state. - Describing the act of continuing to do something regularly or consistently. - Talking about the act of supporting or upholding a particular belief, idea, or principle.
- Referring to the act of keeping something going or maintaining it over time. - Describing the ability to withstand or endure a difficult situation or hardship. - Talking about the act of providing support or assistance to someone or something.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to the act of keeping something going or maintaining it over time.
- 2Both words can be used to describe the act of supporting or upholding something.
- 3Both words are verbs that can be used in various tenses.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Maintain focuses on keeping something in good condition or preserving its original state, while sustain emphasizes the ability to withstand or endure a difficult situation or hardship.
- 2Usage: Maintain is more commonly used in everyday language, while sustain is often used in technical or specialized contexts.
- 3Connotation: Maintain has a neutral connotation, while sustain can have a positive or negative connotation depending on the context.
- 4Scope: Maintain can refer to a wide range of things, including physical objects, relationships, and beliefs, while sustain is often used in the context of environmental or economic sustainability.
Remember this!
Maintain and sustain are synonyms that both refer to the act of keeping something going or maintaining it over time. However, maintain emphasizes preserving something in its original state, while sustain emphasizes the ability to withstand or endure a difficult situation or hardship. Maintain is more commonly used in everyday language, while sustain is often used in technical or specialized contexts.
