First Known Use: 1549
Dictionary
subsist
verb sub·sist \səb-ˈsist\
: to exist or continue to exist
Full Definition of SUBSIST
intransitive verb
2
: to have or acquire the necessities of life (as food and clothing); especially : to nourish oneself <subsisting on roots, berries and grubs>
3
a : to hold true b : to be logically conceivable as the subject of true statements
transitive verb
: to support with provisions
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Origin 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
Related to SUBSIST
Rhymes with SUBSIST
SUBSIST Defined for Kids
subsist
verb sub·sist \səb-ˈsist\
sub·sist·edsub·sist·ing
Definition of SUBSIST for Kids
: to continue living or being <They subsisted on bread and water.>
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