Sustain Meaning
Sustain Definition & Usage
To keep something going or to maintain it over time.
Examples
- "The team has managed to sustain its success for over a decade."
- "She had to sustain her focus during the long hours of study."
- "The company struggled to sustain its profits during the economic downturn."
- "He couldn't sustain the effort required to finish the marathon."
- "The museum's exhibit aims to sustain interest in ancient cultures."
To provide nourishment or support for life, health, or growth.
Examples
- "Eating a balanced diet is essential to sustain good health."
- "The soil can sustain a wide variety of crops if treated properly."
- "The water provided was enough to sustain the plants during the drought."
- "Her quick thinking helped sustain the injured man until help arrived."
- "Regular exercise can sustain your energy levels throughout the day."
To provide emotional or psychological support, especially in difficult situations.
Examples
- "Their friendship helped sustain her through the tough times."
- "He tried to sustain his partner's spirits during her illness."
- "The community came together to sustain each other after the tragedy."
- "She felt loved and sustained by the kindness of strangers."
- "A positive attitude can sustain you through challenges."
Cultural Context
The word 'sustain' originates from the Latin verb 'sustinere', which means 'to hold up, support, or endure'. It has been adopted in various fields such as environmental science, health, psychology, and business to refer to maintaining or supporting something over time. In modern contexts, it is widely used to discuss the endurance of physical, mental, or emotional processes, especially under challenging circumstances.
The Mountain's Edge
Story
The Mountain's Edge
Julia had always been drawn to the mountains. Their quiet, towering presence seemed to call to her, urging her to test her limits. On one particularly difficult climb, she was nearing the summit, but the weather had turned against her. The wind was fierce, and the path was slick with ice. Her hands trembled as she gripped the rope, but she couldn’t afford to stop now. She needed to sustain her effort if she was going to reach the top. The climb wasn’t just about reaching a peak – it was about proving to herself that she could endure the physical and mental challenges ahead. Halfway up, Julia's thoughts drifted to the idea of sustaining more than just physical strength. She remembered the stories of mountaineers who talked about sustaining their spirit in the harshest conditions. It wasn’t just about muscle and stamina; it was about maintaining the resolve to keep going, to trust in your preparation. She had come to the mountains with a goal, but what she didn’t realize was that the journey would demand more from her than she had anticipated. As she paused to catch her breath, a memory surfaced. She had been through tough times before, and it was the support of her friends and family that had sustained her through those darker moments. Now, standing on the side of a mountain, she realized how much of this climb was powered by that same emotional resilience. By the time she reached the summit, Julia was exhausted, but her heart swelled with a deep sense of accomplishment. She had sustained herself – both physically and emotionally – through the toughest part of her journey. And as she looked out over the vast landscape, she understood: the true challenge wasn’t just about enduring the climb, but about learning to sustain herself through every challenge life threw at her.
Related Words
