subsisten

Subsisten is a conjugated form of the Spanish verb subsistir, meaning to subsist or endure. Specifically, subsisten is the third-person plural present indicative form, used to indicate that “they subsist,” “they endure,” or “they survive” in the sense of continuing to exist, often with limited resources or under challenging conditions. The corresponding first-person and second-person forms are subsisto, subsistes, and so on, following the regular -ir verb paradigm.

Etymology and usage context

Subsistir derives from Latin subsistere, meaning to stand firm or to endure. In modern Spanish, subsistir conveys both physical or material survival (finances, sustenance) and longer-term continuation (institutions, ecosystems, cultural practices). The form subsisten appears in a wide range of registers, from news and political discourse to everyday speech, and is commonly used when describing resilience, poverty, humanitarian situations, or the ongoing existence of entities despite adversity.

Semantic nuances

Subsisten emphasizes endurance more than growth. It often implies subsistence with minimal means, rather than thriving or expanding. In some contexts, it can carry a slightly formal tone, making it common in journalism, academic writing, and formal reporting.

Examples

- Los habitantes subsisten con ingresos muy bajos.

- Las comunidades subsisten gracias a proyectos de ayuda internacional.

- Aunque la economía flaquea, la empresa subsiste.

Related forms include subsistir (to subsist), subsistente (subsisting), and subsistencia (subsistence).