First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
subsistence
noun sub·sis·tence \səb-ˈsis-tən(t)s\
: the amount of food, money, etc., that is needed to stay alive
Full Definition of SUBSISTENCE
1
a (1) : real being : existence (2) : the condition of remaining in existence : continuation, persistence b : an essential characteristic quality of something that exists c : the character possessed by whatever is logically conceivable
2
: means of subsisting: as a : the minimum (as of food and shelter) necessary to support life b : a source or means of obtaining the necessities of life
— sub·sis·tent \-tənt\ adjective
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Origin of SUBSISTENCE
Middle English, from Late Latin subsistentia, from subsistent-, subsistens, present participle of subsistere
Related to SUBSISTENCE
- Synonyms
- actuality, corporality, corporeality, reality, existence, thingness
- Antonyms
- inexistence, nonbeing, nonexistence, nothingness, unreality
Rhymes with SUBSISTENCE
SUBSISTENCE Defined for Kids
subsistence
noun sub·sis·tence \səb-ˈsis-təns\
Definition of SUBSISTENCE for Kids
: the smallest amount (as of food and clothing) necessary to support life
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