subsist
[suh b-sist]
- 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.
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- to provide sustenance or support for; maintain.
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Origin of subsist
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for subsist
Contemporary Examples
Why does our government think it's okay for them to subsist on french fries and soda?
She announced her intention to subsist on a diet of water and fish broth, an estimated 200-400 calories per day.
The Hunger Strike Diet: You Don't Lose Weight AND You Accomplish Your Goal!David Frum
January 24, 2013
He begins his days at 4:30 a.m., hits the gym by 5, appears to subsist on energy bars, and is said to be “calm, quite—and deadly.”
Steve Jobs ResignsAugust 25, 2011
Historical Examples
You ask me why, tho' ill at ease Within this region I subsist?
Her friendly relations with him continued to subsist even after his marriage.
A Zola DictionaryJ. G. Patterson
How,” Parson Lute demanded, with a start, “does she––ah––subsist?
The Cruise of the Shining LightNorman Duncan
Those of us who are alive in the morning will subsist upon the enemy.
Standish of StandishJane G. Austin
It is said that a person can subsist longer upon them than upon any other kind.
Old MackinawW. P. Strickland.
subsist
- (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
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Word Origin
C16: from Latin subsistere to stand firm, from sub- up + sistere to make a stand
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for subsist
v.
1540s, "to exist," from Latin subsistere "to stand still or firm," (see subsistence). Meaning "to support oneself" (in a certain way) is from 1640s. Related: Subsisted; subsisting.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper