Spanish Conversation · Level 104
59 words
Spanish word
sostener
Pronunciation
IPA/sosteˈneɾ/
Meaning
- verbhold
Example
No puedo sostener la caja solo.
I can't hold the box by myself.
More examples
Es difícil sostener una conversación por teléfono sin interrupciones.
It's difficult to hold a conversation on the phone without interruptions.
Core concept
Person holding up a falling box with both hands.
Common phrases
sostener una conversación
hold a conversation
Similar words
apoyar: Supports or props something by applying pressure or backing to make it stable.
sujetar: Grips an object firmly to fix it in place so it cannot move.
agarrar: Grasps something with the hand or arm and holds it tightly.
mantener: Keeps a state, condition, or situation unchanged over time.
Definition in Spanish
Mantener algo o a alguien sujeto para que no se caiga; también conservar o defender una idea, una posición o una situación.
Word origin
Derived from Latin sustinēre (sub 'under' + tenēre 'hold'), the original 'hold up' sense passed into Spanish as sostener and extended metaphorically to mean maintain or defend an idea.
Usage tips
- Sostener conjugates like tener (yo sostengo, tú sostienes), so expect an irregular yo form and an e→ie stem change in the present.
Other meanings
- maintainverb
- claimverb
Related words
- sosténsupportnoun
- sosteniblesustainableadjective
- sostenibilidadsustainabilitynoun