How to pronounce sustain
Say it like suh-STAYN. Sustain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STAYN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sustain. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- suh
- STAYN
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sustain pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- STAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of sustain
American and British speakers say sustain in essentially the same way: /səˈsteɪn/ in the US and /səˈsteɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: suh-STAYN.
What does sustain mean?
- lengthen or extend in duration or space“We sustained the diplomatic negotiations as long as possible”“prolong the treatment of the patient”
- undergo (as of injuries and illnesses)“She suffered a fracture in the accident”“He had an insulin shock after eating three candy bars”
- provide with nourishment“We sustained ourselves on bread and water”“This kind of food is not nourishing for young children”
Where does sustain come from?
From Middle English susteinen, sustenen, from Old French sustenir (French soutenir), from Latin sustineō, sustinēre (“to uphold”), from sub- (“from below, up”) + teneō (“hold”, verb).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with sustain
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of sustain.
Questions about saying sustain
How do you pronounce sustain?
Say suh-STAYN. The American pronunciation is /səˈsteɪn/. In British English it is /səˈsteɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sustain?
Sustain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STAYN). Broken into parts: suh · STAYN.
Do Americans and Brits say sustain the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /səˈsteɪn/ and the British form is /səˈsteɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.