What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subsist
Example
The family was able to subsist on rice and beans for weeks during the drought. [subsist: verb]
Example
The refugees were living in subsistence conditions, with no access to clean water or adequate shelter. [subsistence: noun]
persist
Example
She persisted in her efforts to learn a new language, even when it seemed difficult. [persisted: past tense]
Example
The team's persistence paid off when they finally won the championship. [persistence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Persist is more commonly used than subsist in everyday language. Persist is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while subsist is less common and typically used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between subsist and persist?
Both subsist and persist are relatively formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional contexts.
