Subsistence

Pronunciation: /səbˈsɪstəns/

Definitions of subsistence

noun means of maintaining or supporting oneself

Example Sentences

A1 People in some rural areas rely on subsistence farming to feed their families.

A2 The tribe lived a simple life, hunting and gathering for subsistence.

B1 Many indigenous communities practice subsistence fishing as their main source of food.

B2 The documentary highlighted the challenges of subsistence living in remote regions.

C1 Government policies can impact the sustainability of subsistence economies.

C2 Anthropologists study the cultural significance of subsistence practices in different societies.

Examples of subsistence in a Sentence

formal The indigenous tribe relies on subsistence farming to sustain their community.

informal My grandparents used to live off subsistence fishing when they were younger.

slang We're just trying to make ends meet with this subsistence gig.

figurative His job provided just enough subsistence to keep him afloat during tough times.

Grammatical Forms of subsistence

• plural: subsistences
• comparative: more subsistent
• superlative: most subsistent
• present tense: subsists
• future tense: will subsist
• perfect tense: has subsisted
• continuous tense: is subsisting
• singular: subsistence
• positive degree: subsistent
• infinitive: to subsist
• gerund: subsisting
• participle: subsisted

Origin and Evolution of subsistence

First Known Use: 0014 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'subsistence' originated from the Latin word 'subsistentia', which is derived from the verb 'subsistere' meaning 'to stand firm or continue'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the 14th century to refer to the act of existing or continuing to exist, the meaning of 'subsistence' has evolved to also encompass the means of maintaining life, especially through basic necessities like food and shelter.