subsist Definition
- 1to stay alive by having the basic things that you need, especially food and water
- 2to 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
Phrases with subsist
Example
He subsisted on bread and water for a week.
Example
The small business subsists off government grants.
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'
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.