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Subject: meaning, definitions and examples

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subject

 

[ˈsʌbdʒɪkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

school

A particular branch of study or learning.

Synonyms

area, theme, topic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
subject

Used when referring to the general area of knowledge or study, or the main focus of a discussion.

  • Mathematics was always my favorite subject in school.
  • The subject of today's meeting is the new marketing strategy.
topic

Used for specific subjects of discussion, writing, or study, usually narrower than a 'subject'.

  • Today's discussion topic is climate change.
  • She wrote an essay on the topic of social media influence.
theme

Used when referring to the underlying message or central idea of a piece of writing, artwork, or conversation.

  • The main theme of the novel is the struggle between good and evil.
  • The workshop's theme was innovation in technology.
area

Used to refer to a specific field or domain of activity, expertise, or study.

  • She is an expert in the area of environmental science.
  • We need to improve our knowledge in this area.

Examples of usage

  • She is studying the subject of history.
  • Mathematics is a challenging subject for many students.
Context #2 | Noun

conversation

The person or thing that is being discussed or dealt with.

Synonyms

issue, matter, topic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
subject

Used when talking about an area of knowledge or study, or the main theme of a conversation or document.

  • Mathematics was my favorite subject in school.
  • The main subject of his speech was climate change.
topic

Used when referring to the subject of a conversation or a piece of writing. It's often used in casual or academic settings.

  • We should choose a new topic for our next discussion.
  • The research paper covered a wide range of topics.
issue

Used when referring to a problem or point of concern. It often has a more negative connotation.

  • The company's financial issues need to be addressed immediately.
  • Environmental issues are becoming more pressing each year.
matter

Used when referring to a topic or situation that requires consideration or discussion. It’s often used in formal or serious contexts.

  • This is a serious matter that needs our attention.
  • Legal matters can be very complicated.

Examples of usage

  • The main subject of our discussion was the upcoming project.
  • Please stay on the subject during the meeting.
Context #3 | Verb

conversation

To cause someone or something to experience a particular state or emotion.

Synonyms

endure, expose, undergo.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
subject

Used when putting someone in a situation where they may experience something, often something unpleasant or challenging.

  • The prisoners were subjected to harsh conditions.
  • Students must not be subjected to unfair testing practices.
expose

Used when revealing something hidden or making someone experience something, often something harmful or risky.

  • The report exposed the company's unethical practices.
  • Children should not be exposed to violent content.
endure

Refers to the act of experiencing and surviving a difficult or painful situation over a period of time.

  • She had to endure years of hardship before achieving success.
  • The athletes endure intense training sessions.
undergo

Refers to going through a process or experience, often involving change or something challenging.

  • He had to undergo surgery to fix his broken leg.
  • The company is undergoing major restructuring.

Examples of usage

  • The movie subject him to intense emotions.
  • The patients were subjected to various tests.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'subiectus', meaning 'thrown under', indicating a foundation or base of discussion.
  • In the Middle Ages, the term was used to describe people who were under the rule of a king or lord, reflecting their controlled status.
  • Over time, 'subject' evolved to refer more broadly to themes of study and discussion in various disciplines.

Education

  • In schools, subjects are usually divided into categories like mathematics, science, literature, and history, each focusing on different areas of knowledge.
  • Interdisciplinary studies blend subjects, showing how they connect, such as combining science with art in environmental design.
  • Curriculum development emphasizes the importance of subjects in learning, aiming to create well-rounded education.

Psychology

  • In psychological studies, the term 'subject' often refers to an individual or group being examined in research.
  • Experiments may focus on behavior under different subjects, illustrating how people react based on context and situation.
  • The subject's environment and previous experiences greatly affect their responses in psychological tests.

Pop Culture

  • In literature and film, subjects often drive the plot; stories revolve around central ideas like love, conflict, or adventure.
  • Genres of music frequently have specific subjects, like love songs, protest songs, or party anthems, shaping their themes and audience.
  • Tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons often revolve around subjects, including fantasy elements and character development.

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discussions, the subject refers to the self or the mindful observer, highlighting concepts of identity and consciousness.
  • Existentialism critiques what it means to be a subject in a world filled with pre-defined roles and expectations.
  • The relationship between a subject and an object is key in understanding agency and perception in philosophical debates.

Translations

Translations of the word "subject" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assunto

🇮🇳 विषय (vishay)

🇩🇪 Betreff

🇮🇩 subjek

🇺🇦 тема

🇵🇱 temat

🇯🇵 件名 (kenmei)

🇫🇷 sujet

🇪🇸 asunto

🇹🇷 konu

🇰🇷 주제 (juje)

🇸🇦 موضوع (mawdu')

🇨🇿 předmět

🇸🇰 predmet

🇨🇳 主题 (zhǔtí)

🇸🇮 predmet

🇮🇸 efni

🇰🇿 тақырып (taqyryp)

🇬🇪 თემა (tema)

🇦🇿 mövzu

🇲🇽 asunto

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #191, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.