The word "subsidised" is spelled with two S's and one Z. The sound represented by the letter S is a voiceless alveolar fricative (/s/), which is produced by pushing the air through a narrow gap between the tongue and the alveolar ridge. The sound represented by the letter Z is a voiced alveolar fricative (/z/), which is produced with the same tongue and mouth position as /s/, but with the vocal cords vibrating. The spelling reflects the pronunciation of the word, with the Z appearing after an unstressed vowel sound (/ɪd/).
Subsidised is an adjective that refers to something that is financially supported or aided by a subsidy. A subsidy is a sum of money granted by the government or a public institution to reduce the cost or to boost the production of goods or services. When an entity or activity is subsidised, it means that it receives financial assistance or favorable treatment to encourage its development or to make it more affordable for the general population.
Typically, subsidies are offered to industries, companies, or sectors that are considered crucial for the economy or society, but may require additional support to operate profitably or to provide goods and services at reasonable prices. Governments often subsidise areas such as agriculture, energy, education, healthcare, public transportation, housing, and technology innovation. By providing subsidies, the government can stimulate economic growth, promote employment, improve access to essential services, and foster social welfare.
Subsidised programs or services can manifest in various forms, such as reduced taxes, direct cash payments, low-interest loans, grants, discounted prices, or exemptions from regulatory fees. The intention is to alleviate financial burdens, enable wider accessibility, or incentivize investment. However, subsidisation can also be subject to debate, as it may lead to market distortions, inefficiencies, or even dependency on state support. Consequently, subsidy programs are often scrutinized for their effectiveness, fairness, and potential unintended consequences.
The word "subsidised" is derived from the Latin word "subsidium" which means "help" or "assistance". It entered the English language in the mid-17th century through the Latin verb "subsidicare" which means "to support" or "to provide aid". The term "subsidise" refers to the act of providing financial support or assistance to individuals, organizations, or industries in order to help them function or achieve certain goals.