Word
subsidize
Phoneticssub·si·dize, stress on the first syllable
/ˈsəbsɪˌdaɪz/
UK spelling · subsidise
Definition
v. to provide extra money from a government or a company to help a business or service stay cheap for people.
v. to provide financial assistance to a business or service to reduce its cost to consumers or to support its operation. Often used in the context of public policy or corporate partnerships.
Examples
“The government subsidizes public transport to keep fares low.”
“The local council subsidizes the community garden to ensure that fresh produce remains affordable for all residents.”
“By subsidizing the initial costs of renewable energy infrastructure, the state encourages private investment in solar and wind projects that might otherwise be too risky for individual developers.”
Examples
simple
“The government subsidizes public transport to keep fares low.”
contextual
“The local council subsidizes the community garden to ensure that fresh produce remains affordable for all residents.”
complex
“By subsidizing the initial costs of renewable energy infrastructure, the state encourages private investment in solar and wind projects that might otherwise be too risky for individual developers.”
Real-World Examples
“The college has also helped subsidise trips abroad, including trips to New York City and Brussels.” “Luckily, he’s subsidised by his longsuffering wife, Matilde.” Etymology
From subsidy + -ize.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/subsidize