sustain

Syllables:
su·stain
2 syllables
sustain in syllables

About "sustain"

Syllables
2
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "sustain" into Syllables

The word sustain is divided into 2 syllables: su·stain. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • su — 1st syllable
  • stain — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of sustain:

  • IPA: /səˈsteɪn/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. sustain (third-person singular simple present sustains, present participle sustaining, simple past and past participle sustained)
  2. To keep from falling; to bear; to uphold; to support.

📚 Word Origin & History

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).

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down sustain into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare sustain with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
sustain 2 su·stain
sysadmin 3 sy-sad-min
sixteen 2 six-teen
stymy 2 sty-my
Sutton 2 sut-ton

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to sustain:

SUSE, suss, Susan, sushi, Susie, Susana, Sussex, Susanna.

Frequently Asked Questions About "sustain"

How many syllables does "sustain" have?

sustain has 2 syllables: su·stain. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "sustain"?

The stress is on the first syllable: su. This means you emphasize the "su" part when pronouncing sustain.

How do you pronounce "sustain"?

sustain is pronounced as /səˈsteɪn/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: su·stain.

Is "sustain" easy to spell?

Breaking sustain into syllables helps with spelling: su·stain. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "sustain" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.