sustained
suh-STAYND
/səˈsteɪnd/
Continuing for an extended period or without interruption.
Often used in technical contexts like 'sustained growth' or 'sustained applause'. It implies a level of energy being consistently applied.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'sustinere', meaning 'to hold up from below'. Imagine holding a heavy ceiling with your hands—that is the essence of sustaining something.
Word relationships
- prolonged: Prolonged often implies something is lasting longer than expected or desired; sustained is more neutral or positive.
- sporadic: Sporadic means occurring at irregular intervals; sustained means continuous.
Commonly confused with
- sustainable: Sustainable means able to be maintained; sustained means it is being maintained.
Word family
- sustain (verb): To strengthen or support physically or mentally.
- sustenance (noun): Food and drink regarded as a source of strength.
Collocations
- sustained effort
- sustained growth
- sustained attack
Example sentences
- "The country experienced a period of sustained economic growth for over a decade." Describing economic conditions.
Memory hook
Sustained = Sus (up) + Tained (held). Held up so it doesn't fall. Held up and kept going.
When not to use
Don't use it for things that happen by themselves; it usually implies an effort to keep it going.
Fun facts
- In a courtroom, if a judge says 'Sustained,' they are 'holding up' or agreeing with an objection.
Explore more words
sustain, continuously, sustainable, incessant, uninterrupted, continuous
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