subscription
suhb-SKRIP-shuhn
/səbˈskrɪpʃən/
An arrangement to receive a product or service regularly by paying in advance.
In e-commerce, this often refers to 'subscribe and save' models for recurring household goods.
The story behind the word. Literally 'to write under.' This refers to the historical practice of signing one's name at the bottom of a contract to agree to its terms.
Word relationships
- membership: Membership implies belonging to a group; subscription implies a regular delivery of a product.
- one-off: A one-off is a single purchase with no recurring commitment.
Commonly confused with
- installment: An installment is a partial payment for one item; a subscription is a payment for a continuing service.
Word family
- subscribe (verb): To sign up for a regular service.
- subscriber (noun): A person who pays for a subscription.
Collocations
- monthly subscription
- subscription model
- cancel subscription
Example sentences
- "I set up a monthly subscription for coffee beans so I never run out in the morning." Managing household expenses.
Memory hook
You 'Sub' (sign under) to get the 'Script' (the service) every month. Sign on the bottom line.
When not to use
Do not use for a one-time purchase.
Fun facts
- The first subscriptions were for newspapers and books in the 17th century.
Related words
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