sustenance
SUS-tuh-nuhns
/ˈsʌstənəns/
Food and drink regarded as a source of strength; nourishment.
Sustenance often implies the bare minimum required to stay alive or the fundamental support for life, rather than luxury dining.
The story behind the word. Coming from the Old French 'soustenance', it traces back to the Latin 'sustinere', meaning to 'hold up' or 'support'. Imagine a pillar holding up a roof; sustenance is the pillar that holds up the human body.
Word relationships
- nourishment: A more general term for food that promotes growth.
- livelihood: Refers to the means of supporting oneself, often financially, rather than just food.
- deprivation: The damaging lack of material benefits or food.
Commonly confused with
- subsistence: Subsistence refers to the state of remaining alive, while sustenance is the actual food that allows it.
Word family
- sustain (verb): To strengthen or support physically or mentally.
- sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Collocations
- provide sustenance
- daily sustenance
- seek sustenance
Example sentences
- "It is not necessary that a man should earn his sustenance by the sweat of his brow, unless he sweats easier than I do." Henry David Thoreau reflects on the simplicity of life's requirements. (Walden by Henry David Thoreau)
- "The travelers relied on dried meat and hardtack for sustenance during the winter crossing." Describing the harsh conditions of a long journey.
Memory hook
Think of a 'sustainer'—something that stays under you to keep you from falling. Sustenance stays under you to keep you standing.
When not to use
Avoid using it for a casual snack or a gourmet meal unless you are being intentionally dramatic.
Fun facts
- In legal terms, sustenance once referred to the allowance a husband was required to provide for his wife's support.
Related words
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