How to Say "to uphold" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to uphold” is “sostener” — use 'sostener' when you want to express asserting or maintaining a decision, opinion, or a law, often in a public or official capacity..
sostener
soh-steh-NEHR/sosteˈneɾ/
Examples
El gobierno sostiene que las nuevas medidas son necesarias.
The government upholds (maintains) that the new measures are necessary.
El presidente sostiene que la economía mejorará pronto.
The president maintains (or asserts) that the economy will improve soon.
Ella sostuvo su argumento a pesar de la crítica.
She upheld her argument despite the criticism.
Los científicos sostienen la teoría del calentamiento global.
The scientists support (or uphold) the theory of global warming.
Common Structure
When used to assert an idea, 'sostener' is often followed by 'que' and a statement in the indicative mood (normal verb form), since it expresses certainty: 'Sostengo que tienes razón' (I maintain that you are right).
sustentar
/soos-tehn-TAR//sustenˈtaɾ/
Examples
Debemos sustentar nuestras creencias con argumentos lógicos.
We must uphold (support) our beliefs with logical arguments.
Tienes que sustentar tu teoría con datos reales.
You have to back up your theory with real data.
Él trabaja en dos sitios para sustentar a su familia.
He works in two places to provide for his family.
El juez sustentó su decisión en las leyes actuales.
The judge based (upheld) his decision on current laws.
Sustentar vs Mantener for family
'Mantener' is the most common way to say 'provide for family' in daily life. 'Sustentar' sounds more like you are providing the basic necessities for survival.
Confusing with 'Sustainable'
Mistake: “Thinking 'sustentar' is the only word for being green.”
Correction: While related, to say 'sustainable' we use 'sustentable' or 'sostenible'. 'Sustentar' is the action (the verb).
ratificar
/ra-tee-fee-CAR//ratifiˈkaɾ/
Examples
El acusado ratificó su inocencia ante el tribunal.
The accused upheld (ratified) his innocence before the court.
El testigo ratificó su declaración ante el juez.
The witness stood by his statement before the judge.
El tribunal ratificó la sentencia original.
The court upheld the original sentence.
Me ratifico en lo que dije ayer.
I stand by what I said yesterday.
The Reflected Action
When you want to say you are standing by your own words, you use it with a reflexive pronoun: 'Me ratifico' (I stand by my words).
Sostener vs. Sustentar
Related Translations
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