Subscribing

/səbˈskraɪbɪŋ/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
3 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To arrange to receive something regularly, typically a publication or service, by paying in advance.

/səbˈskraɪbɪŋ/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To agree to receive something regularly, usually a publication or service, by paying a fee.

I am subscribing to the online newspaper to stay updated on current events.

💡 Simply: Think of it like signing up for a monthly delivery of your favorite magazines or a streaming service, and you pay a fee for it. You're subscribing!

👶 For kids: It's like telling someone you want to get something over and over again, like a magazine or a toy box, and you pay a little bit of money each time.

More Examples

2

She is subscribing to a monthly beauty box filled with new products.

3

They are subscribing to the streaming service for access to exclusive movies and TV shows.

How It's Used

Business

"Businesses subscribe to market research services to gain insights."

News

"Many people subscribe to online news platforms to stay informed."

2

To express agreement with an idea or viewpoint; to support.

/səbˈskraɪbɪŋ/

verbneutralmedium
Legal

To express or hold a particular opinion or belief.

He is subscribing to the principles of democracy.

💡 Simply: This is like saying you agree with someone's opinion or believe in something. For instance, you might say you 'subscribe' to the idea that everyone deserves a fair chance.

👶 For kids: It's like saying you agree with something, like you agree that broccoli is good for you!

More Examples

2

Many people subscribe to the notion of hard work leading to success.

3

She subscribes to the theory that early childhood experiences shape personality.

How It's Used

Politics

"I subscribe to the belief that education is a key to success."

Philosophy

"Philosophers subscribe to various ethical frameworks."

Tip:You're 'writing under' or supporting an idea.
3

To contribute a sum of money, usually on a regular basis, to support an organization or cause.

/səbˈskraɪbɪŋ/

verbneutralmedium
General

To contribute money to a particular cause or project.

The company is subscribing to the environmental initiative.

💡 Simply: When you 'subscribe' in this sense, you're donating money to help a cause you believe in, like a school or a charity.

👶 For kids: It's like giving some of your money to help something you like, like helping to build a park or help animals.

More Examples

2

She is subscribing to the local hospital fundraising campaign.

3

Many individuals subscribe to the non-profit's efforts to feed the homeless.

How It's Used

Charity

"They are subscribing to the charity fund to help those in need."

Arts

"Patrons subscribe to art projects to ensure their success."

Tip:It's like writing your name (and a check!) under the cause.

Idioms & expressions

Subscribe to the belief that...

To agree with or support a particular belief or idea.

"I subscribe to the belief that everyone deserves a second chance."

Subscription service

A service where a customer pays a regular fee to receive a product or service.

"Netflix is a popular subscription service for movies and TV shows."

From Latin *subscribere* ('to write beneath, sign'), from *sub-* ('under') + *scribere* ('to write'). Originally referred to signing a document at the bottom, but evolved to mean agreeing to receive something regularly.

Historically, the word referred to signing documents, especially in law. The meaning evolved to encompass agreeing to receive goods or services, and later, expressing agreement with an idea.

Memory tip

Imagine you're writing your name UNDER the agreement, promising to get something delivered regularly.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to write beneath, sign"

subscribe to a servicesubscribe to a beliefsubscribe to a newsletter

Common misspellings

subscribinggsubscribtion

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written