How to pronounce sustenance
Say it like SUHS-tuh-nuns. Sustenance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sustenance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SUHS
- tuh
- nuns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sustenance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SUHSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of sustenance
American and British speakers say sustenance in essentially the same way: /ˈsʌstənəns/ in the US and /ˈsʌstənəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: SUHS-tuh-nuns.
What does sustenance mean?
- Something that provides support or nourishment.
Where does sustenance come from?
From Middle English sustenaunce, from Old French sustenance, from sustenir with the suffix -ance, from Vulgar Latin *sustenire, from Latin sustinere.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying sustenance
How do you pronounce sustenance?
Say SUHS-tuh-nuns. The American pronunciation is /ˈsʌstənəns/. In British English it is /ˈsʌstənəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sustenance?
Sustenance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHS). Broken into parts: SUHS · tuh · nuns.
Do Americans and Brits say sustenance the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsʌstənəns/ and the British form is /ˈsʌstənəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.