French word

subvenir

Pronunciation

IPA/sybvəniʁ/

Meaning

  • verbprovide for

Example

Nous devons subvenir aux besoins de la famille.

We must provide for the family's needs.

Illustration for subvenir (provide for)

More examples

Il travaille dur pour subvenir aux besoins de ses enfants.

He works hard to provide for his children's needs.

Core concept

A person or organization fills the material gap that keeps another person, group, or thing supplied and functioning.

Common phrases

  • subvenir aux besoins

    provide for ___'s needs

  • subvenir aux besoins de ses enfants

    provide for one's children's needs

Similar words

pourvoir: Supply the money or goods that are needed.
entretenir: Pay someone's living expenses to maintain their livelihood.

Definition in French

Pourvoir aux besoins matériels d'une personne, d'un groupe ou d'une chose en fournissant ce qui manque, souvent formulé sous la forme « subvenir aux besoins de … ».

Word origin

French subvenir comes from Latin subvenire, formed from sub- and venire, 'to come', and developed from the idea of coming to someone's aid to providing what is needed.

Usage tips

  • Subvenir normally takes à, and the subject is the provider, as in subvenir aux besoins de la famille, not the person receiving support.

Opposites

Word lists with this word