subsist

Definition of subsist

Etymology

From French subsister, from Latin subsistere (“to take a stand or position, stand still, stop, stay, remain, continue”), from sub (“under”) + sistere (“to cause to stand, place”).

Verb

subsist (third-person singular simple present subsists, present participle subsisting, simple past and past participle subsisted)

1. To survive on a minimum of resources.
   
   With her current income, Janet cannot thrive, she can only subsist.