Definition of subsist
intransitive verb
2 : to have or acquire the necessities of life (such as food and clothing); especially : to nourish oneself subsisting on roots, berries and grubs
3a : to hold trueb : to be logically conceivable as the subject of true statements
transitive verb
: to support with provisions
From the M-W Editors
Examples of subsist in a Sentence
The author's right to royalties shall subsist for the term of the copyright.
a love that was as great as any that ever did subsist
Recent Examples of subsist from the Web
-
His family has been fasting for Ramadan, subsisting on staples that have become rare and expensive: lentil soup and bread washed down with water.
-
This particularly large specimen generally prefers small food, and subsists on a diet of fish, squid and shellfish.
-
The crew subsisted on a quarter-acre agricultural plot and went about their lives while medical doctors and ecologists observed from outside.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subsist'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of subsist
Late Latin subsistere to exist, from Latin, to come to a halt, remain, from sub- + sistere to come to a stand; akin to Latin stare to stand — more at stand
SUBSIST Defined for English Language Learners
subsist
playDefinition of subsist for English Language Learners
-
: to exist or continue to exist
SUBSIST Defined for Kids
subsist
playDefinition of subsist for Students
subsisted
;subsisting
: to continue living or being They subsisted on bread and water.
Learn More about subsist
-
See words that rhyme with subsist Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for subsist Spanish Central: Translation of subsist Nglish: Translation of subsist for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of subsist for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up subsist? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!