Word: sustaining (verb)

Associations

The word "sustaining" refers to the act of supporting, maintaining, or keeping something going over time. It often implies providing what is necessary for continued existence or success.

• Example 1: "The organization is sustaining its efforts to help the community." This means the organization continues to support the community over time.
• Example 2: "She is sustaining her energy by eating healthy foods." Here, it means she is maintaining her energy levels.
• Example 3: "The project is sustaining its growth despite challenges." This indicates that the project continues to grow even when faced with difficulties.

A well-known synonym for "sustaining" is "maintaining." The difference is that "maintaining" often refers to keeping something in its current state, while "sustaining" can imply ongoing support and nourishment over time.

Substitution

Other words or phrases that can be used in place of "sustaining" include:

• Supporting: This emphasizes providing help or assistance.
• Upholding: This suggests maintaining a standard or principle.
• Continuing: This focuses on the act of persisting or carrying on.

Each of these alternatives can change the meaning slightly, depending on the context. For example, "supporting" may imply providing help, while "continuing" emphasizes the ongoing action without necessarily implying support.

Deconstruction

The word "sustaining" comes from the root "sustain," which means to hold up or support. The suffix "-ing" indicates that it is a continuous action or process. The prefix "sus-" comes from Latin, meaning "from below" or "up from beneath," which relates to the idea of providing support.

Historically, "sustain" has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, deriving from the Old French "sustenir," which in turn comes from Latin "sustinere," meaning "to hold up."

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you had to sustain something in your life, like a project or a relationship?
• How do you feel when you are sustaining your efforts towards a goal?
• In what situations do you think sustaining is more important than just maintaining?