First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
subscribe
verb sub·scribe \səb-ˈskrīb\
: to pay money to get a publication or service regularly
: to agree to buy shares in a company
: to belong to or support something (such as an organization) by paying money regularly
sub·scribedsub·scrib·ing
Full Definition of SUBSCRIBE
transitive verb
1
: to write (one's name) underneath : sign
2
a : to sign (as a document) with one's own hand in token of consent or obligation b : to attest by signing c : to pledge (a gift or contribution) by writing one's name with the amount
3
: to assent to : support
intransitive verb
1
: to sign one's name to a document
2
a : to give consent or approval to something written by signing <unwilling to subscribe to the agreement> b : to set one's name to a paper in token of promise to give something (as a sum of money); also : to give something in accordance with such a promise c : to enter one's name for a publication or service; also : to receive a periodical or service regularly on order <subscribed to many magazines> d : to agree to purchase and pay for securities especially of a new offering <subscribed for 1000 shares>
3
: to feel favorably disposed <I subscribe to your sentiments>
— sub·scrib·er noun
See subscribe defined for English-language learners
See subscribe defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SUBSCRIBE
Middle English, from Latin subscribere, literally, to write beneath, from sub- + scribere to write — more at scribe
Synonym Discussion of SUBSCRIBE
assent, consent, accede, acquiesce, agree, subscribe mean to concur with what has been proposed. assent implies an act involving the understanding or judgment and applies to propositions or opinions <voters assented to the proposal>. consent involves the will or feelings and indicates compliance with what is requested or desired <consented to their daughter's going>. accede implies a yielding, often under pressure, of assent or consent <officials acceded to the prisoners' demands>. acquiesce implies tacit acceptance or forbearance of opposition <acquiesced to his boss's wishes>. agree sometimes implies previous difference of opinion or attempts at persuasion <finally agreed to come along>. subscribe implies not only consent or assent but hearty approval and active support <subscribes wholeheartedly to the idea>.
SUBSCRIBED Defined for Kids
subscribe
verb sub·scribe \səb-ˈskrīb\
sub·scribedsub·scrib·ing
Definition of SUBSCRIBE for Kids
1
: to place an order for a publication or service which is delivered over a stated period
2
: to agree with or support <I subscribe to the idea that voting is a duty.>
— sub·scrib·er noun
Learn More About SUBSCRIBE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: subscriptPrevious Word in the Dictionary: subscleroticAll Words Near: subscribe
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up subscribe? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).