English Lexicon

Sustenance

/ˈsʌs.tən.əns/
nounCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #6500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

1 sense
As noun
  1. 1

    Food and drink regarded as a source of strength; nourishment.

    "Plants provide sustenance for animals."

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Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Old French word sustenance, originating from the Late Latin sustinentia, from the verb sustinere meaning 'to hold up, sustain'. It entered the English language in the 14th century, initially referring to the action of supporting life or means of livelihood, and gradually narrowed to denote food and nourishment.

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