Subsistence
/səbˈsɪstəns/
Definitions
The state or means of supporting oneself, especially at a minimal level; the action or fact of maintaining or supporting oneself at a minimum level.
/səbˈsɪstəns/
The action or fact of maintaining or supporting oneself at a minimum level.
They lived a life of subsistence farming, growing only enough food to survive.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're living on a very small budget, just enough to get by. Subsistence is about having the basics to survive – food, shelter, and water. It’s like trying to make ends meet when you have hardly any money. For example, farmers who grow only enough food for their family are living on subsistence farming.
👶 For kids: It's like having just enough food and things to stay alive.
More Examples
The government provides aid to help families reach a level of subsistence.
The villagers' primary mode of subsistence was fishing and hunting.
How It's Used
"Many rural families live at the level of subsistence, barely able to meet their basic needs."
"The study examined the impact of environmental changes on their subsistence strategies."
From Latin *subsistentia*, from *subsistere* ('to stand firm, exist'), from *sub* ('under') + *sistere* ('to set, cause to stand'). It entered English in the late 16th century.
In older texts, 'subsistence' might be used more broadly to refer to the act of existing or continuing to exist.
Memory tip
Think of 'sub' (under) 'sist' (exist) - existing on the bare minimum.