subsistence — The means of maintaining life, especially the minimum necessities like food and shelter. The state of existing at a basic survival level.
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: The means of maintaining life, especially the minimum necessities like food and shelter. The state of existing at a basic survival level.
Pronunciation (IPA): /səbˈsɪstəns/
Example Sentences
- After losing his job, he was reduced to mere subsistence on instant noodles and tap water.
- The village relied on subsistence agriculture to survive.
- His subsistence allowance barely covered rent, let alone entertainment.
subsistence
NOUN[/səbˈsɪstəns/]
The means of maintaining life, especially the minimum necessities like food and shelter. The state of existing at a basic survival level.
The means of maintaining life, especially the minimum necessities like food and shelter. The state of existing at a basic survival level.
Subsistence demands resistance and persistence!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'subsistere' meaning 'to stand firm, remain, or endure.' The word evolved from the idea of standing your ground or holding out to mean surviving with just the bare minimum.
Breakdown
sub- (under, below) + sistere (to stand, place) = literally 'to stand underneath' or 'to hold one's position'
🎵Rhyme
📝Examples
“After losing his job, he was reduced to mere subsistence on instant noodles and tap water.”
“The village relied on subsistence agriculture to survive.”
“His subsistence allowance barely covered rent, let alone entertainment.”
“Many families in the region live at subsistence level.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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