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sustento means support — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 27, 2026

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

sustento

noun • /[sus-TEN-to]/

support

Example:

Necesitas un buen sustento para tu tesis.

You need strong support for your thesis.

🧠 What does sustento mean?

Sustento is a masculine noun that refers to the means of supporting life, such as food, income, or livelihood. It also describes the basis, foundation, or evidence that supports an argument, idea, or claim. In its first sense, it is what is necessary for subsistence. In its second, more abstract sense, it is the proof or reasoning that gives validity to a statement.

📚 Extra examples

  • El agricultor trabaja la tierra para obtener el sustento de su familia.
    The farmer works the land to provide sustenance for his family.
  • La investigación no encontró ningún sustento para sus acusaciones.
    The investigation found no basis for his accusations.
  • Su principal fuente de sustento es una pequeña tienda.
    His main source of livelihood is a small shop.
  • El abogado presentó documentos que daban sustento a su defensa.
    The lawyer presented documents that gave support to his defense.

💡 Did You Know?

'Sustento' is derived from the verb 'sustentar', which means 'to sustain', 'to support', or 'to uphold'. This connection helps to remember its two primary meanings: sustaining life through a livelihood and sustaining an argument with evidence.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "sustento"

Synonyms: manutención, subsistencia, fundamento, base, apoyo, justificación
Opposites: falacia, infundio, inconsistencia

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'support' in Spanish?
While 'sustento' can mean support, it's specific. For general or emotional support, 'apoyo' is much more common. 'Sustento' is used for livelihood (economic support) or for the logical foundation of an argument.
How do you pronounce 'sustento' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is soos-TEN-toh, with the stress on the second syllable, 'ten'.
How do you use 'sustento' in a sentence?
You can use it to talk about a person's living or the basis for a claim. For example: 'Buscan el sustento diario' (They look for their daily sustenance) or 'Tu teoría necesita más sustento' (Your theory needs more support).
What is the English translation of 'sustento'?
The English translation can be livelihood, sustenance, support, basis, or foundation, depending on the context.
Does 'sustento' change for gender or number?
'Sustento' is a masculine noun. The plural form is 'sustentos'.
Is 'sustento' common in everyday Spanish?
It is more common in formal, academic, legal, or professional contexts than in casual, everyday conversation. Words like 'trabajo' (work) or 'comida' (food) are more frequent for livelihood in informal speech.
Does 'sustento' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'sustento' does not have any common slang meanings or significant double meanings. Its use is quite standard and formal.
Is 'sustento' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and use of 'sustento' are consistent across Spain and Latin America.

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