How to pronounce subsistence
Say it like sub-SIS-tuns. Subsistence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SIS).
- sub
- SIS
- tuns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Subsistence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- subKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of subsistence
American and British speakers say subsistence in essentially the same way: /səbˈsɪstəns/ in the US and /səbˈsɪstəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: sub-SIS-tuns.
What does subsistence mean?
- Real being; existence.
- The act of maintaining oneself at a minimum level.
- Inherency.“the subsistence of qualities in bodies”
Where does subsistence come from?
From Middle English subsistence; partly from Middle French subsistence (modern French subsistance) and partly from its etymon Late Latin subsistentia (“substance, reality, in Medieval Latin also stability”), from Latin subsistēns, present p
Words that rhyme with subsistence
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of subsistence.
Questions about saying subsistence
How do you pronounce subsistence?
Say sub-SIS-tuns. The American pronunciation is /səbˈsɪstəns/. In British English it is /səbˈsɪstəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in subsistence?
Subsistence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SIS). Broken into parts: sub · SIS · tuns.
Do Americans and Brits say subsistence the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /səbˈsɪstəns/ and the British form is /səbˈsɪstəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.