Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. SUSTAIN (V)
Support
Understanding the Word SUSTAIN
The question asks us to find the most appropriate synonym for the word "SUSTAIN," which is identified as a verb (V). A synonym is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.
Let's look at the meaning of "SUSTAIN." As a verb, "sustain" typically means:
- To keep something going or existing.
- To provide support for; to hold up.
- To undergo or suffer (something unpleasant, especially an injury).
- To confirm or corroborate (a statement or theory).
In the context of finding a general synonym, the meanings related to keeping something going, supporting, or holding up are most common.
Analyzing the Options for Synonym of SUSTAIN
We are given four options:
- Support
- Weaken
- Believe
- Suspect
Let's examine each option and its meaning:
Option 1: Support
- Meaning: To bear the weight of, especially from below. To hold up or bolster. To keep going; maintain or sustain.
- Comparison: The meaning "To keep going; maintain or sustain" directly aligns with a key meaning of "sustain." Also, "to bear the weight of" or "hold up" relates to the supportive aspect of sustaining something.
Option 2: Weaken
- Meaning: To make or become weaker; reduce in strength or effect.
- Comparison: This word has the opposite meaning of strengthening or maintaining something, which are aspects of "sustain." Therefore, "weaken" is an antonym, not a synonym, of "sustain."
Option 3: Believe
- Meaning: To accept that something is true, especially without proof. To have faith in the truth or existence of something.
- Comparison: This relates to conviction or acceptance of truth and is not related to the meanings of "sustain" concerning support, maintenance, or enduring something.
Option 4: Suspect
- Meaning: To have an idea or impression of the existence, presence, or truth of something without certain proof. To doubt the genuineness or truth of (something).
- Comparison: This relates to doubt or tentative belief and has no connection to the meaning of "sustain."
Identifying the Correct Synonym for SUSTAIN
Comparing the meanings, "Support" is the only word among the options that shares a significant meaning with "SUSTAIN," specifically the sense of holding up, maintaining, or keeping something going. For example, "The pillars sustain the roof" means "The pillars support the roof." Or, "Sustain economic growth" means "Support economic growth" or "Maintain economic growth."
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the meanings of "SUSTAIN" and the given options, the most appropriate synonym for "SUSTAIN" is "Support".
Revision Table: Understanding Synonyms
| Word | Part of Speech | Key Meaning | Relationship to SUSTAIN |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSTAIN | Verb | To support; keep going; maintain | Target word |
| Support | Verb | To hold up; keep going | Synonym |
| Weaken | Verb | To reduce strength | Antonym |
| Believe | Verb | To accept as true | Unrelated |
| Suspect | Verb | To think likely without proof | Unrelated |
Additional Information on Vocabulary Building
Understanding synonyms and antonyms is a crucial part of building strong vocabulary. When learning a new word like "sustain," try to:
- Look up multiple meanings and see how it's used in different sentences.
- Identify its part of speech.
- Find synonyms and antonyms to understand its relationship with other words.
- Use the word in your own sentences to practice.
This approach helps in better comprehension and effective usage of words in communication.
Important Questions from Miscellaneous
A stone is thrown horizontally from the top of a 20 m high building with a speed of 12 m/s. It hits the ground at a distance R from the building. Taking g = 10 m/s2 and neglecting air resistance will give :
A sphere of volume V is made of a material with lower density than water. While on Earth, it floats on water with its volume f1V (f1 < 1) submerged. On the other hand, on a spaceship accelerating with acceleration a < g (g is the acceleration due to gravity on Earth) in outer space, its submerged volume in water is f2V. Then:
A railway wagon (open at the top) of mass M1 is moving with speed v1 along a straight track. As a result of rain, after some time it gets partially filled with water so that the mass of the wagon becomes M2 and speed becomes v2. Taking the rain to be falling vertically and the water stationery inside the wagon, the relation between the two speeds v1 and v2 is :
Consider the following statements:
1. Distance between the longitudes becomes zero on North Pole and South Pole.
2. Distance between the longitudes is maximum on the Equator.
3. Number of longitudes is more than number of latitudes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
One block of 2⋅0 kg mass is placed on top of another block of 3⋅0 kg mass. The coefficient of static friction between the two blocks is 0⋅2. The bottom block is pulled with a horizontal force F such that both the blocks move together without slipping. Taking acceleration due to gravity as 10 m/s2, the maximum value of the frictional force is :
