subscribe
gb/səbskɹˈaɪb/ us/səbskɹˈaɪb/
A2
English
~ 900
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Sign up for content or services
To agree to get something regularly, like a magazine, online videos, or a service, often by paying for it.
Usage pattern:
to subscribe to [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say 'subscribe for' instead of 'subscribe to' when talking about receiving content. 'Subscribe for' is less common and can sound unnatural in this context.
Synonyms
enroll (Implies joining a course or service, not necessarily for regular deliveries.)
|
sign up (More informal and general; can refer to any kind of registration.)
Antonyms
unsubscribe (Specifically means to stop receiving regular content or services.)
Collocations
subscribe to a channel
|subscribe to a newsletter
|subscribe to a magazine
|subscribe for updates
|subscribe to a service
Themes
media
|technology
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I decided to subscribe to a streaming platform for my favorite shows.
- You can subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates.
- She subscribed to an online fitness program.
- We encourage viewers to subscribe to our YouTube channel.
- He subscribed to the monthly meal delivery service.
Learner examples
- I subscribe to a music app.
- You can subscribe to this channel.
- My parents subscribe to a newspaper.
- She will subscribe to the cooking class.
- We subscribe to a sports magazine.
Verb
formal
B2
action
2
Formally agree with an idea
To say you agree with an idea or believe it is true.
Usage pattern:
to subscribe to [an idea/belief]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this meaning with signing up for a service. Context usually makes the difference clear.
Synonyms
endorse (Often used in formal contexts; can also imply public support.)
|
agree with (More general and less formal; applies in everyday conversation.)
Antonyms
reject (Means to refuse or disagree with an idea.)
Collocations
subscribe to a belief
|subscribe to an opinion
|subscribe to a theory
Themes
communication
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I do not subscribe to the theory that money brings happiness.
- Many scientists subscribe to this view of climate change.
- She subscribes to the belief that kindness is essential.
- They subscribe to the principles of equality and fairness.
- I cannot subscribe to such extreme opinions.
Learner examples
- I subscribe to this idea.
- He does not subscribe to that view.
- We subscribe to the belief in peace.
- She subscribes to the theory about stars.
- They do not subscribe to his opinion.
Verb
formal
C1
action
3
Pledge money for a cause/project
To promise to give money for a cause or project.
Usage pattern:
to subscribe [an amount] to [a cause]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'subscribe' here with regular payment for services; in this meaning it is about pledging support, often one-time or occasional.
Synonyms
donate (General term for giving money or goods without expecting return.)
|
contribute (General term for giving something, often money, toward a common purpose.)
Antonyms
withhold (Refuse to give money or resources that might be expected.)
Collocations
subscribe funds
|subscribe an amount
|subscribe capital
Themes
charity
|finance
|business
Examples
- Several companies subscribed large sums to the relief fund.
- He subscribed $500 to the charity appeal.
- They subscribed generously to the school renovation project.
- The members subscribed enough money to start the program.
- Our organization subscribed funds for medical research.
Learner examples
- They subscribed money to help the school.
- He subscribed $100 for the project.
- We subscribed funds for the event.
- She subscribed money for the new park.
- The company subscribed $5,000 for charity.
Grammar
Dictionary form
subscribe
IPA
GB/səbskɹˈaɪb/
US/səbskɹˈaɪb/
Syllables & stress
sub - scribe (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (scribe)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: subscribe
- 3rd Person Singular: subscribes
- Present Participle: subscribing
- Past: subscribed
Word family
Forms
subscribes
verb
subscribing
verb
subscribed
verb
Core family
subscription
noun B1
subscriber
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
unsubscribe
verb A2
Related words
resubscribe
verb
Expressions
subscribe and save
1/səbskɹˈaɪb ˈænd sˈeɪv/
fixed phrase
business
Sign up for discounted repeat orders
To agree to buy products regularly and pay less than normal price.
Examples
- If you subscribe and save, you'll get 10% off each delivery.
- Many online stores offer a subscribe and save option.
subscribe to the channel
1/səbskɹˈaɪb tə ðə t͡ʃˈænəl/
fixed phrase
Sign up for video updates from channel
To click a button on a video site so you get new videos from that channel automatically.
Examples
- If you enjoy our videos, please subscribe to the channel.
- Don't forget to subscribe to the channel for more tutorials.
subscribe to the newsletter
1/səbskɹˈaɪb tə ðə nˈuzlˌɛtɚ/
fixed phrase
Sign up for email updates
To give your email address so you get regular emails from someone or a company.
Examples
- You can subscribe to the newsletter on our website.
- Subscribe to the newsletter and never miss an update.