Substain vs. Sustain: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 27, 2023
"Substain" is a common misspelling of the correct term "sustain." Sustain means to support, maintain, or endure over time.
Which is correct: Substain or Sustain
How to spell Sustain?
Substain is Incorrect
Sustain is Correct
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Key Differences
Remember that "sustain" has the word "stain" in it, whereas "substain" doesn't make that connection.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
Think of "sustain" as being able to "STAY IN" a certain condition.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
Associate "sustain" with "sustainable" - both have the root "sustain".
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
Memorize the phrase: “To sustain is to maintain”, focusing on the shared 'tain' ending.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
Visualize the word "sustain" as a bridge being supported by strong pillars.
Harlon Moss
Sep 13, 2023
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Substain and Sustain Definitions
Sustain
To support or hold up for a period without breaking or falling.
The bridge was built to sustain heavy loads.
Harlon Moss
Sep 08, 2023
Sustain
To keep up or prolong.
She sustained her effort until the job was done.
Janet White
Sep 08, 2023
Sustain
To confirm or support something.
The judge sustained the lawyer's objection.
Harlon Moss
Sep 08, 2023
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Sustain
To keep in existence; maintain, continue, or prolong
Sustain an effort.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
To supply with necessities or nourishment; provide for
The income needed to sustain a family.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
To support the spirits, vitality, or resolution of; encourage
We were sustained by her unflagging optimism.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
To support from below; keep from falling or sinking; prop
The beams sustain the weight of the roof.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
To affirm the validity of
The judge has sustained the prosecutor's objection.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
A capacity of a musical instrument to continue the resounding of a note or tone.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
(transitive) To maintain, or keep in existence.
The professor had trouble sustaining students’ interest until the end of her lectures.
The city came under sustained attack by enemy forces.
Sam managed to sustain his erection for two straight hours.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
(transitive) To experience or suffer (an injury, etc.).
The building sustained major damage in the earthquake.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
(transitive) To confirm, prove, or corroborate; to uphold.
To sustain a charge, an accusation, or a proposition
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
To keep from falling; to bear; to uphold; to support.
A foundation sustains the superstructure; an animal sustains a load; a rope sustains a weight.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
(music) A mechanism which can be used to hold a note, as the right pedal on a piano.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
To keep from falling; to bear; to uphold; to support; as, a foundation sustains the superstructure; a beast sustains a load; a rope sustains a weight.
Every pillar the temple to sustain.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
Hence, to keep from sinking, as in despondence, or the like; to support.
No comfortable expectations of another life to sustain him under the evils in this world.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
To maintain; to keep alive; to support; to subsist; to nourish; as, provisions to sustain an army.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
To aid, comfort, or relieve; to vindicate.
His sons, who seek the tyrant to sustain.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
To endure without failing or yielding; to bear up under; as, to sustain defeat and disappointment.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
To suffer; to bear; to undergo.
Shall Turnus, then, such endless toil sustain?
You shall sustain more new disgraces.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
To allow the prosecution of; to admit as valid; to sanction; to continue; not to dismiss or abate; as, the court sustained the action or suit.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
To prove; to establish by evidence; to corroborate or confirm; to be conclusive of; as, to sustain a charge, an accusation, or a proposition.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
One who, or that which, upholds or sustains; a sustainer.
I waked again, for my sustain was the Lord.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
Lengthen or extend in duration or space;
We sustained the diplomatic negociations as long as possible
Prolong the treatment of the patient
Keep up the good work
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
Undergo (as of injuries and illnesses);
She suffered a fracture in the accident
He had an insulin shock after eating three candy bars
She got a bruise on her leg
He got his arm broken in the scuffle
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
Provide with nourishment;
We sustained ourselves on bread and water
This kind of food is not nourishing for young children
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
Supply with necessities and support;
She alone sustained her family
The money will sustain our good cause
There's little to earn and many to keep
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
Be the physical support of; carry the weight of;
The beam holds up the roof
He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam
What's holding that mirror?
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
Establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts;
His story confirmed my doubts
The evidence supports the defendant
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Sustain
To provide the necessities for life or existence.
The land sustains various wildlife.
Janet White
Sep 08, 2023
FAQs
What is the plural form of Sustain?
Sustain does not have a plural form as a verb. As a noun, it's "sustains."
Janet White
Sep 13, 2023
Why is it called Sustain?
It's derived from Latin "sustinere", meaning "to hold up, support, endure."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
Which conjunction is used with Sustain?
Any conjunction can be used with "sustain" depending on sentence structure, such as "and" or "but."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
Is Sustain an abstract noun?
Yes, in contexts where it represents an idea, quality, or state.
Sara Rehman
Sep 13, 2023
Is Sustain a negative or positive word?
Neutral, though often used in positive contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
Which preposition is used with Sustain?
Various prepositions can be used; "by" (sustained by food) and "from" (sustained from harm) are common.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
Is the Sustain term a metaphor?
No, but it can be used metaphorically in sentences.
Harlon Moss
Sep 13, 2023
What is the singular form of Sustain?
Sustain is already in its singular form.
Janet White
Sep 13, 2023
Is Sustain a vowel or consonant?
It's a word, not a single letter. It contains both vowels and consonants.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
How is Sustain used in a sentence?
"The trees sustain a rich variety of birds and insects."
Aimie Carlson
Sep 13, 2023
Is Sustain a noun or adjective?
Primarily a verb, but can also be a noun in certain contexts.
Harlon Moss
Sep 13, 2023
Which determiner is used with Sustain?
It varies based on context. Examples include "this," "that," "each," and "every."
Aimie Carlson
Sep 13, 2023
Which article is used with Sustain?
Both "a" and "the" can be used depending on context.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 13, 2023
Is the word Sustain imperative?
Not inherently, but it can be used in the imperative mood (e.g., "Sustain the effort!").
Harlon Moss
Sep 13, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
