Subjective Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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subjective

[səbˈdʒɛktɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

opinion

Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.

Synonyms

biased, opinionated, partial, personal.

Examples of usage

  • It's a subjective matter, everyone has their own opinion.
  • She gave a subjective review of the movie, focusing on how it made her feel.
  • The decision was highly subjective, as it depended on individual perspectives.
  • I understand that your viewpoint is subjective, but we need to consider all angles.
  • His judgment was subjective, colored by his own experiences.
Context #2 | Noun

philosophy

A subjective case or instance.

Synonyms

individual, internal, personal.

Examples of usage

  • The philosopher debated the nature of subjective experience.
  • She argued that reality is shaped by subjective perceptions.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Immanuel Kant argued that our perceptions are subjective, meaning they can differ tremendously from one person to another.
  • Existentialist thinkers emphasize the subjective experience of life, suggesting that personal meaning is central to human existence.
  • Subjectivism is a philosophical stance stating that things like truth and morality are determined by personal feelings and opinions.

Psychology

  • Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, show how people's subjective views influence their interpretation of information.
  • The subjective nature of memory means that how we recall events can be influenced by emotions and personal significance.
  • Psychological studies often highlight differences in subjective well-being, which varies widely based on individual circumstances and perceptions.

Art

  • Art is often appreciated subjectively, with each viewer bringing their own feelings and experiences to the interpretation.
  • The subjective experience of art has been a focal point in movements like Impressionism, which emphasizes personal perception of light and color.
  • In literature, subjective narration allows readers to delve into the inner thoughts and feelings of characters, creating a personal connection.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures can have subjective views on beauty, art, and ethics, leading to diverse expressions and interpretations.
  • In some cultures, subjective feelings are prioritized in decision-making, while others focus more on objective facts and logic.
  • Subjectivism can affect social dynamics, with personal experiences often shaping social narratives and collective beliefs.

Origin of 'subjective'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'subjectivus', which means 'of a subject'.
  • In medieval philosophy, the term began to refer to the individual's perspective on experiences and ideas.
  • It was adopted into English in the 17th century, marking the rise of personal interpretation in discussions.

The word 'subjective' originated from the Latin word 'subjectivus', meaning 'pertaining to a subject'. The term has been used in philosophy and psychology to describe experiences, opinions, and perceptions that are influenced by individual feelings and perspectives. The concept of subjectivity has been a topic of debate among philosophers, with discussions on the nature of reality and personal interpretation.


See also: subject, subjection, subjectively, subjectiveness, subjectivism, subjectivity, subjects.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,146 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.