subsidy
UK: ˈsʌbsɪdi | US: ˈsʌbsɪdi
n. financial assistance granted by a government or public body to support an industry, business, or individual.
n. a sum of money paid to keep prices at a desired level or to bolster an economic sector.
subsidy = sub<under> + sid<sit> + y<noun suffix>
- sub (from Latin sub, meaning "under")
- sid (from Latin sidere, variant of sedere, meaning "to sit")
- y (noun-forming suffix indicating state or action)
Etymology Origin:
The word "subsidy" originates from Latin subsidium, meaning "support" or "reserve troops stationed behind the front lines." The components sub- ("under") and sedere ("to sit") metaphorically imply "sitting in reserve" or "backing up." Over time, it evolved to denote financial support provided by authorities to stabilize or assist, mirroring the original military concept of reinforcements.
The government offers a subsidy to farmers to encourage sustainable agriculture.
Renewable energy projects often rely on public subsidies to remain competitive.
The film industry received a subsidy to promote local talent.
Critics argue that fossil fuel subsidies hinder progress toward clean energy.
The subsidy helped reduce the cost of public transportation for low-income families.