説明中心

sustain

[səˈsteɪn]

sustain Definition

  • 1strengthen or support physically or mentally
  • 2undergo or suffer (something unpleasant, especially an injury)
  • 3cause to continue or be prolonged for an extended period or without interruption

Using sustain: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sustain" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He sustained a serious injury in the accident.

  • Example

    The company is struggling to sustain its profits.

  • Example

    She found it hard to sustain her concentration.

  • Example

    The building cannot sustain another earthquake.

  • Example

    The team's performance was not enough to sustain their lead.

sustain Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for sustain

Idioms Using sustain

  • sustain someone's interest

    keep someone interested in something

    Example

    The movie was able to sustain my interest until the end.

  • keep the progress or pace going

    Example

    The team needs to sustain the momentum if they want to win the championship.

  • experience a financial loss

    Example

    The company sustained a huge loss due to the pandemic.

Phrases with sustain

  • development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

    Example

    The government has implemented policies to promote sustainable development.

  • applause that continues for a long time

    Example

    The audience gave the performer sustained applause after his performance.

  • a type of medication that is released slowly into the body over a period of time

    Example

    The doctor prescribed a sustained release medication for his patient.

Origins of sustain

from Old French 'sustenir', from Latin 'sustinere', from 'sub-' meaning 'from below' and 'tenere' meaning 'to hold'

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Summary: sustain in Brief

To 'sustain' [səˈsteɪn] means to strengthen or support physically or mentally, undergo or suffer something unpleasant, or cause to continue or be prolonged. It can refer to anything from a physical injury to a business's profits. Phrases like 'sustainable development' and 'sustained applause' extend the term's usage, while idioms like 'sustain someone's interest' and 'sustain the momentum' denote keeping something going.

How do native speakers use this expression?