Definition of subsist

The word "subsist" first appeared in the English language in the late 14th century, derived from the Latin verb "subsistere," which means "to stand under" or "to remain in a subordinate position." In the Middle Ages, "subsistere" was used to describe the way that living beings sustained themselves by finding food and resources to meet their basic needs. This usage was preserved in the English word "subsist," which originally referred to the act of living on a particular diet or resource, typically one that was meager or basic. Over time, the meaning of "subsist" evolved to encompass a wider range of situations, from surviving on a bare minimum of resources in extreme conditions to sustaining oneself through modest means in ordinary circumstances. Today, "subsist" is commonly used to describe the ways in which beings from simple organisms to human societies fulfill their basic biological requirements for survival. Through its journey from Latin into modern English, the word "subsist" demonstrates the enduring relevance of ancient ideas about sustenance, survival, and the struggles of living beings to thrive in a very demanding world.