subsist

[səbˈsɪst]

subsist Definition

• 1. to stay alive by having the basic things that you need, especially food and water
• 2. to continue to exist or be accepted, especially in difficult conditions

Using subsist: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "subsist" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The refugees subsisted on a diet of rice and beans.

• Example

  The company is barely subsisting on its current revenue.

• Example

  The tradition has subsisted for centuries despite changes in society.

subsist Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for subsist

• survive
• exist
• endure
• persist
• continue

Antonyms for subsist

• perish
• cease
• disappear

Phrases with subsist

• subsist on

  to survive on a particular type of food or with a particular amount of money

  Example

  He subsisted on bread and water for a week.

• subsist off

  to survive by relying on something or someone else

  Example

  The small business subsists off government grants.

• subsistence farming

  farming that provides enough food for the farmer and their family but not enough to sell

  Example

  The villagers practice subsistence farming to sustain themselves.

Origins of subsist

from Latin 'subsistere', meaning 'to stand firm'

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Summary: subsist in Brief

The verb 'subsist' [səbˈsɪst] means to stay alive with basic necessities like food and water, or to continue to exist or be accepted in difficult conditions. It can be used in phrases like 'subsist on' or 'subsist off,' such as 'The refugees subsisted on a diet of rice and beans.' 'Subsist' can also refer to 'subsistence farming,' which provides enough food for the farmer and their family but not enough to sell.