English

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Etymology

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From Latin subscriptiō; by surface analysis, sub- +‎ script +‎ -ion. All senses reflect (either literally or figuratively) the notion of signing one's own name beneath some promise or description to indicate that one agrees with it or agrees to it.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /səbˈskɹɪpʃən/
  • Audio (Southern England):(file)
  • Hyphenation: sub‧scrip‧tion

Noun

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subscription (countable and uncountable, plural subscriptions)

  1. Access to a resource for a period of time, generally for payment.
    subscription fee;   available by subscription
    I have a monthly subscription to the Daily Telegraph newspaper.
    My library subscription is about to expire.
    • 1951 April, “Preservation of the Talyllyn Railway”, in Railway Magazine, number 600, page 218:
      The Society, which is a non-profit-making organisation, is inviting enthusiasts to become members at a minimum annual subscription of £1.
    • 1967, “When the Music’s Over”, in Strange Days, performed by The Doors:
      Cancel my subscription to the Resurrection / Send my credentials to the House of Detention / I got some friends inside
    1. (attributively) Available only via such access.
      Coordinate term: paywalled (often coinstantial)
      subscription model;   subscription content
  2. The formal acceptance of something, especially when verified with a signature.
  3. The signing of one's name.
  4. Contributing or promising to contribute money to a common fund.

Derived terms

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Translations

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See also

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