Subscription

Definition

Subscription generally refers to the arrangement where individuals or entities pay a fee in exchange for products or services, often on a recurring basis.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səbˈskrɪpʃən/
• Respelling: suhb-SKRIP-shuhn (with "suhb" as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "supply," "SKRIP" as in "script," and "shuhn" as in "cushion")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səbˈskrɪpʃən/
• Respelling: suhb-SKRIP-shuhn (similar to American English, with "suhb" as in "supply," "SKRIP" like in "script," and "shuhn" as in "cushion")

In both dialects, "subscription" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "SKRIP." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, accurately reflecting the word's structure and stress pattern.

Etymology

The word "subscription" has Latin origins from the word subscriptio, derived from subscribere which means 'to write underneath, to sign', from sub- (beneath) + scribere (to write). It transitioned into English usage around the 15th century, originally referring to the act of signing underneath a document, and later, evolved to imply a contractual agreement for services or goods for a certain period.

Derivatives

• Subscription-based
• Subscribable
• Unsubscribed
• Resubscribe
• Presubscribe

Synonyms

• Membership
• Enrollment
• Sign-up

Antonyms

• One-off purchase
• Non-renewable
• Unsubscribed

Usage

The term "subscription" is utilized across different domains including commerce, digital platforms, and publication sectors, implying a mutual agreement where individuals or entities receive goods or services periodically in exchange for a payment.

Related Terms

• Subscribe
• Subscriber
• Subscription service
• Subscription model

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Service Agreement: An arrangement or agreement in which a person or entity receives products or services in return for a periodic payment.‍
• Example: They have a subscription to a monthly gourmet food delivery service.

• Access Granting: The act of paying to access content, service, or a space for a specified period.‍
• Example: With a yearly subscription, members can access the gym and all of its facilities.

• Periodic Payment: The amount paid regularly to receive a product or service.‍
• Example: The subscription cost for the software is $20 per month.

• Online Engagement: The act of opting to receive updates or content from digital platforms or channels.‍
• Example: They offer a free subscription to their newsletter for all website visitors.