The word "subsistence" is spelled with three syllables, the first syllable pronounced with stress. It is transcribed as /səbˈsɪstəns/. The initial "sub" is derived from the Latin "substantia" meaning "substance" and is used to indicate basic support or sustenance. The middle syllable is pronounced with a short "i" as in "hit", while the final syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound. This word refers to the basic necessities of life, such as food and shelter, required for survival.
Subsistence is a term used to describe the minimum amount of resources, such as food, water, and shelter, required for an individual or a community to survive. It refers to the basic necessities needed to sustain life and maintain a reasonable standard of living.
In the context of individuals, subsistence generally implies the ability to meet one's daily needs without relying on external assistance or resources. This can include the ability to procure enough food and water, obtain adequate clothing and shelter, and access essential medical care. Achieving subsistence often entails engaging in activities such as farming, hunting, or fishing to produce or gather enough resources to meet these requirements.
On a broader scale, subsistence can also refer to the sustenance of an entire community or population. In this sense, it encompasses the ability of the community to produce or acquire enough resources to meet their collective needs. This can involve practices like agriculture, trade, or the utilization of natural resources.
Overall, subsistence is essential for the survival and well-being of individuals and communities. It represents the foundation upon which higher levels of human development can be built, such as education, economic growth, and social progress.
The means of living or supporting life; livelihood; support.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word subsistence originated from the Latin term subsistentia, which is the noun form of the verb subsistere. Subsistere is a combination of two Latin words: sub meaning under or below, and sistere meaning to stand or to be. Therefore, subsistence essentially means to stand under or to endure.