subsist
[ suhb-sist ]
/ səbˈsɪst /
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verb (used without object)
to exist; continue in existence.
to remain alive; live, as on food, resources, etc.
to have existence in, or by reason of, something.
to reside, lie, or consist (usually followed by in).
Philosophy.
- to have timeless or abstract existence, as a number, relation, etc.
- to have existence, especially independent existence.
verb (used with object)
to provide sustenance or support for; maintain.
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QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!
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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
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Origin of subsist
OTHER WORDS FROM subsist
sub·sist·ing·ly, adverbpre·sub·sist, verb (used without object)self-sub·sist·ing, adjectivesu·per·sub·sist, verb (used without object)WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH subsist
subside, subsistWords nearby subsist
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for subsist
British Dictionary definitions for subsist
subsist
/ (səbˈsɪst) /
verb (mainly intr)
(often foll by on) to be sustained; manage to liveto subsist on milk
to continue in existence
(foll by in) to lie or reside by virtue (of); consist
philosophy
- to exist as a concept or relation rather than a fact
- to be conceivable
(tr) obsolete to provide with support
Derived forms of subsist
subsistent, adjectivesubsister, nounWord Origin for subsist
C16: from Latin subsistere to stand firm, from sub- up + sistere to make a stand
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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