What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subsist
Example
The refugees were forced to subsist on very little food and water. [subsist: verb]
Example
He was barely subsisting on his meager income. [subsisting: gerund or present participle]
survive
Example
The hiker survived the harsh winter storm by finding shelter. [survived: past tense]
Example
She was able to survive cancer with the help of chemotherapy. [survive: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Survive is more commonly used than subsist in everyday language. Survive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while subsist is less common and typically used in more specific contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between subsist and survive?
Both subsist and survive can be used in formal and informal contexts, but subsist may be perceived as more formal due to its less common usage.
