subsist

[ suh b-sist ]
/ səbˈsɪst /

verb (used without object)

to exist; continue in existence.
to remain alive; live, as on food, resources, etc.
to have existence in, or by reason of, something.
to reside, lie, or consist (usually followed by in).
Philosophy.
  1. to have timeless or abstract existence, as a number, relation, etc.
  2. to have existence, especially independent existence.

verb (used with object)

to provide sustenance or support for; maintain.

Origin of subsist

1540–50; < Latin subsistere to remain, equivalent to sub- sub- + sistere to stand, make stand; see stand

OTHER WORDS FROM subsist

sub·sist·ing·ly, adverb pre·sub·sist, verb (used without object) self-sub·sist·ing, adjective su·per·sub·sist, verb (used without object)

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH subsist

subside subsist

Words nearby subsist

subsidiary company, subsidiary ledger, subsidiary rights, subsidize, subsidy, subsist, subsistence, subsistence allowance, subsistence farming, subsistence level, subsistence wage

Example sentences from the Web for self-subsisting

  • The science of Real Being--of Being in se--of self-subsisting entities, is declared to be impossible.

    Christianity and Greek Philosophy |Benjamin Franklin Cocker

  • They carry their home with them, self-subsisting, self-relying.

    From Capetown to Ladysmith |G. W. Steevens

  • One alone, the incomprehensible Author of all things, is self-subsisting in his perfect Unity.

    Lectures on Art |Washington Allston

  • Our inference of the simple from the composite is valid only of self-subsisting things.

    The Critique of Pure Reason |Immanuel Kant

British Dictionary definitions for self-subsisting

subsist
/ (səbˈsɪst) /

verb (mainly intr)

(often foll by on) to be sustained; manage to live to subsist on milk
to continue in existence
(foll by in) to lie or reside by virtue (of); consist
philosophy
  1. to exist as a concept or relation rather than a fact
  2. to be conceivable
(tr) obsolete to provide with support

Derived forms of subsist

subsistent, adjective subsister, noun

Word Origin for subsist

C16: from Latin subsistere to stand firm, from sub- up + sistere to make a stand