Subsidise is a word that causes many spelling woes due to its unique letter combination. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/ which shows that it has two syllables, starts with a stressed ‘suhb’ sound and ends with a ‘dize’ sound. The ‘z’ at the end is often mistakenly replaced with an ‘s’, making the word appear as ‘subsidize’ or ‘subsidise’. It is important to note that the correct spelling of this word with a ‘z’ in the end is preferred in American English, while the British English uses ‘s’.
Subsidise is a verb that refers to the act of providing financial assistance or support, typically from the government or an organization, in order to reduce the cost or burden of a particular activity, industry, or individual. This support is usually in the form of a grant, loan, or direct payment.
When a government subsidises something, it aims to promote or encourage its development or consumption, typically when the market fails to provide the necessary conditions for its growth. By offering financial aid, subsidies help to make goods or services more affordable, stimulating demand and ensuring access for a wider population.
Subsidies can be employed in various sectors, such as agriculture, education, healthcare, transportation, and energy. For instance, a government might subsidise farmers to enhance food production or provide subsidies to students to make education more accessible.
The aim of subsidising is to make certain activities or products feasible or accessible in situations where market forces alone would not be sufficient or efficient. While subsidies often serve as a way to support industries or individuals, they can come with certain drawbacks. Such drawbacks include potential misuse of funds, distortions in the market, and dependence on continued financial aid.
In conclusion, subsidise refers to the provision of financial support to reduce costs or promote activities, industries, or individuals that may not thrive or remain accessible in a purely market-driven environment.
To obtain aid from another by the payment of a sum of money.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "subsidise" comes from the Latin word "subsidium", which originally meant "reserve troops" or "reinforcement". It is derived from two Latin roots: "sub", meaning "under" or "from below", and "sedere", meaning "to sit" or "to settle". Over time, the term "subsidium" evolved to refer to financial assistance, specifically the practice of providing financial support from the government or a powerful entity to aid or promote a cause, individual, or organization. In English, the verb form "subsidise" emerged in the 17th century, and it continues to be used today to denote providing monetary assistance or support.