Subsistence: meaning, definitions and examples
๐พ
subsistence
[ sษb'sษชstษns ]
basic living
Subsistence refers to the means by which an individual or community maintains their livelihood, typically through the direct provision of food, shelter, and other essential needs. It often implies a level of self-sufficiency, where individuals rely on their own resources to survive rather than depending on external systems or markets. In many historical and contemporary societies, subsistence practices include agriculture, hunting, and gathering, emphasizing a close relationship with the land and sustainability. The term can also relate to economic systems that prioritize basic survival needs over profit or wealth accumulation.
Synonyms
livelihood, survival, sustenance
Examples of usage
- Many indigenous communities practice subsistence farming.
- Subsistence fishing is vital for the survival of coastal populations.
- The subsistence lifestyle helps to maintain traditional ecological knowledge.
Translations
Translations of the word "subsistence" in other languages:
๐ต๐น subsistรชncia
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคตเคฟเคเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Existenz
๐ฎ๐ฉ subsistensi
๐บ๐ฆ ััะฝัะฒะฐะฝะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ egzystencja
๐ฏ๐ต ็ๅญ
๐ซ๐ท subsistance
๐ช๐ธ subsistencia
๐น๐ท geรงim
๐ฐ๐ท ์์กด
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุจูุงุก
๐จ๐ฟ existence
๐ธ๐ฐ existencia
๐จ๐ณ ็ๅญ
๐ธ๐ฎ preลพivetje
๐ฎ๐ธ framfylgja
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัััััะปัะบ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแ แแแแแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mรผxtษliflik
๐ฒ๐ฝ subsistencia
Word origin
The word 'subsistence' originates from the Latin term 'subsistentia', which means 'to stand under' or 'to exist'. This is derived from 'substantia', meaning 'substance' or 'essence', reflecting the idea of what is necessary for existence. The term emerged in the English language in the late Middle Ages, firstly denoting the basic means of support or existence. During modern history, especially in the context of anthropology and economics, 'subsistence' has been used to describe the methods and practices communities use to secure their survival outside of modern economic systems. The evolution of this term highlights the fundamental human concern of securing life's necessities.