Subscription Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📋
Add to dictionary

subscription

[səbˈskrɪpʃ(ə)n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

online services

A subscription is a payment made regularly in order to receive a service or access to content over a period of time. Subscriptions are commonly used for streaming services, magazines, software, and other online platforms.

Synonyms

access, membership, pass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
subscription

Use when discussing a recurring payment for a service or product, typically digital or continuous.

  • I renewed my magazine subscription.
  • They offer a monthly subscription to their streaming service.
membership

Best when referring to a status or condition of being part of a group, often involving privileges or exclusive rights.

  • She has a gym membership.
  • Our club offers annual memberships.
access

Appropriate when talking about the ability or right to use or enter something, often used in terms of online or secure areas.

  • You need a password to access the database.
  • I have access to the premium features of the app.
pass

Suitable in scenarios involving temporary or short-term authorization to enter a place or participate in an event.

  • I got a weekend pass to the festival.
  • Visitors need a pass to enter the building.

Examples of usage

  • You can get a monthly subscription to access exclusive content on this website.
  • She cancelled her subscription to the newspaper because she wasn't reading it regularly.
  • The subscription fee for this streaming service is quite affordable compared to others.
  • I have a subscription to this magazine and I receive a new issue every month.
  • Do you have a subscription to any online services?

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'subscription'

The word 'subscription' originated from the Latin word 'subscriptio', which meant a signing at the bottom of a document. In the 17th century, it evolved to also mean a written agreement to receive a publication or service regularly in return for payment. The concept of subscriptions has since expanded to various industries, especially with the rise of online services and digital content.


See also: ascribe, circumscribed, inscribed, prescribe, scribble, scribe, scribes, scribing, scrivener, subscribe, subscriber, transcribe.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,898, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.