ENGLISH
REFERENCE

subsidy

n. countable
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈsəbsɪdi// UK //sˈʌbsɪdi// sub·sidy Academic Archaic

n. money given by a government or organization to help pay for the cost of something. It makes a product or service cheaper for the people who need it.

n. a sum of money granted by the state or a public body to help an industry or business keep the price of a commodity or service low. Often used in economic contexts to describe financial aid that supports the public interest.


SIMPLE

The government provides a subsidy for electric cars.

CONTEXTUAL

Farmers often rely on a government subsidy to keep their crops affordable during years of poor weather.

COMPLEX

Economists argue whether a direct subsidy to renewable energy firms is more effective than taxing carbon emissions to drive the transition toward a greener economy.

Origin

From Middle English subsidy, subsidie, from Anglo-Norman subsidee, subsidie, from Old French subside, from Latin subsidium (support, assistance), from subsido from sub- (“below”) + sīdō (“sit”).

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'provide', 'grant', or 'receive'.

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