adjective

subsidized

SUB-si-dyzd

Subsidized (adjective) means Paid for in part by a government or other body, so that the person using it pays less than the true cost. Example: “Subsidized housing keeps rents below the market rate for low-income families.”

adjective

Paid for in part by a government or other body, so that the person using it pays less than the true cost.

"Subsidized housing keeps rents below the market rate for low-income families."

"The canteen serves subsidized meals to all staff."

verb

Past tense and past participle of subsidize: to give money to keep a price low or an activity going.

"The state subsidized rail fares for a decade before fares were deregulated."

"Wealthier customers effectively subsidized everyone else."

How to Use Subsidized

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone else pays part of the cost, so you pay less.

When to use it

Neutral; frequent in policy, economics and news writing.

Memory tip

Do not confuse subsidize (to fund) with subsidiary (a company owned by another).

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

subsidised subsidiary →

Common pairings

heavily subsidized state-subsidized subsidized housing subsidized loans government-subsidized

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_____ housing keeps rents below the market rate for low-income families.

Etymology

From subsidy, which comes via Old French from Latin subsidium, originally 'reserve troops, support', from sub- 'under' and sedere 'to sit'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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funded supported underwritten assisted financed propped up

Antonyms

unsubsidized full-cost

Related Words

supported funded backed sponsored endorsed borne

Rhymes for subsidized

sized prized baptized utilized notarized polarized civilized idealized organized oversized localized motorized

See all rhymes for subsidized →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it 'subsidized' or 'subsidised'?

Both are correct. 'Subsidized' with a z is standard in American English and is also accepted in British publishing houses that follow Oxford spelling; 'subsidised' is the usual British and Australian form.

What is the difference between subsidized and free?

Something subsidized still has a price, but part of the cost is covered by someone else, usually the state or an employer. Something free costs the user nothing at the point of use, even though it may also be funded by taxes.

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