sustentar

Senses

1. 1.

   to support

   to hold up or bear the weight of something

2. 2.

   to sustain

   to provide with what is necessary for life or continuance

3. 3.

   to maintain

   to uphold or assert (an argument, idea, or position)

Examples

• "Las columnas sustentan el techo del edificio."

  The columns support the building's roof.

• "El trabajo sustenta a su familia desde hace diez años."

  His work has sustained his family for ten years.

• "El científico sustentó su teoría con evidencia sólida."

  The scientist maintained his theory with solid evidence.

Usage

A formal, somewhat literary verb common in academic and technical contexts. Roughly synonymous with sostener, but sustentar carries stronger connotations of providing essential support or nourishment (both literal and figurative). The phrase "sustentar una tesis" is standard for defending a thesis. Register: standard to formal.