subvention

noun

sub·​ven·​tion səb-ˈven(t)-shən 

: the provision of assistance or financial support: such as

a

: endowment

b

: a subsidy from a government or foundation

subventionary

səb-ˈven(t)-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective

Did you know?

A subvention is a form of assistance, so it should come as no surprise to learn that the term "subvention" can be traced back to the Late Latin noun subventio, meaning "assistance." "Subventio" in turn derives from Latin subvenire, meaning "to come up or "to come to the rescue." (Another descendant of "subvenire" in English is the more common word souvenir.) "Subvention" also functions as a verb meaning "to provide with a subvention." The verb "subvention" is a very uncommon word, and it has an equally uncommon synonym, "subvent." The latter was likely coined by speakers unaware that the verb "subvention" already existed.

Synonyms

• allocation
• allotment
• annuity
• appropriation
• entitlement
• grant
• subsidy

Examples of subvention in a Sentence

the committee receives an annual subvention from the foundation to run the museum

Recent Examples on the Web

But maintaining these subventions after the U.S. midterm elections, especially if Republicans win control of the House of Representatives as expected, will likely be difficult. —Melinda Haring, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2022

The best-case scenario: the government can step in to bear some of the banks’ burden by introducing an interest subvention scheme (where the government bears some of the interest cost on loans). —Joydeep Ghosh, Quartz India, 1 Oct. 2020

External factors like the ban on subvention schemes and poor market sentiments impacted housing sales in both cities, but MMR performed relatively better. —Anuj Puri, Quartz India, 19 Dec. 2019

When paternal subventions were not forthcoming, Neruda hit on the idea of securing a diplomatic post abroad through Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. —Benjamin Kunkel, The New Republic, 2 July 2018

Without subventions from Washington, Tesla’s market capitalization never would have even briefly exceeded GM’s. —George Will, National Review, 11 Oct. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subvencion, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French subvenciȯn, from Late Latin subvention-, subventio assistance, from Latin subvenire to come up, come to the rescue, from sub- up + venire to come — more at sub-, come

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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