help pay for part of the cost

subsidize

verb|/ˈsʌb.sɪ.daɪz/

To financially support by paying part of the cost

Examples

In a meeting

The company will subsidize half of your continuing education expenses.

Over coffee

My parents are subsidizing my rent while I'm in grad school.

Why this word

support

Subsidize specifically means providing financial assistance to reduce costs, while support is vague about the type or method of help

fund

Subsidize implies partial financial support to make something more affordable, while fund suggests providing total financial resources

help

Subsidize is the precise economic term for government or organizational financial aid, while help is too general and informal

Usage tip

Use when someone pays a portion, making something more affordable for others

Etymology

Latin 'subsidium' (assistance, reserve troops) from 'sub-' (under) + 'sedere' (to sit)

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