What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subsistence
Example
The tribe relied on subsistence farming to provide for their basic needs. [subsistence: noun]
Example
He lived a subsistence lifestyle, growing his own food and building his own shelter. [subsistence: adjective]
survival
Example
The hiker's survival skills helped him endure the harsh weather conditions. [survival: noun]
Example
In a life or death situation, our survival instincts kick in to help us make quick decisions. [survival: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Survival is more commonly used than subsistence in everyday language. Survival is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts, while subsistence is less common and often used in specific contexts, such as sustainable living or traditional lifestyles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between subsistence and survival?
Both subsistence and survival can be used in formal and informal contexts, but subsistence may be more associated with technical or academic language due to its use in fields such as anthropology or ecology.
