Sostenían

Sostenían is a Spanish verb, specifically the imperfect indicative form of the verb "sostener." "Sostener" has several meanings, including to hold, to support, to maintain, or to sustain. Therefore, "sostenían" translates to "they were holding," "they were supporting," "they were maintaining," or "they were sustaining," depending on the context.

This verb form is used to describe actions or states that were ongoing or habitual in the past. For example, "Los pilares sostenían el techo" means "The pillars were holding up the roof." In another instance, "Ellos sostenían una fuerte amistad" would translate to "They were maintaining a strong friendship." The imperfect tense emphasizes the duration or continuity of the action rather than a completed event. It is often used in narratives to set a scene or describe past circumstances. Understanding the nuances of "sostener" and its imperfect form "sostenían" is crucial for accurate comprehension of Spanish past tenses.