Subsistence
/səbˈsɪs.təns/noun
The means of supporting life; the state of existing or continuing to exist.
Did you know?Its Latin ancestor comes from a verb meaning “to stand firm” — so hidden inside this everyday word is the idea of existence as something that must be held up, almost like a ritual of endurance.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
subsistere
“to stand firm, remain, continue to exist”
Late Latin
Latin
subsistentia
“continuing existence; the state of standing firm”
Old French
Old French
subsistance
“means of living; livelihood”
14th-16th Century
English
subsistence
“means of support or livelihood; continued existence”
Modern English
English
subsistence
“the means of supporting life; minimal living conditions”