What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
meals
Example
I usually have three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. [meals: noun]
Example
We had a delicious meal at the new restaurant in town. [meal: noun]
Example
She is preparing a meal for her family tonight. [meal: noun]
sustenance
Example
The refugees were in dire need of sustenance after fleeing their homes. [sustenance: noun]
Example
The mother provided emotional sustenance to her child during a difficult time. [sustenance: noun]
Example
The body needs sustenance in the form of vitamins, minerals, and calories to function properly. [sustenance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Meals is more commonly used in everyday language, while sustenance is more often used in formal or academic contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between meals and sustenance?
Sustenance is a more formal term than meals, which is commonly used in everyday language.