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Subjectivity: meaning, definitions and examples

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subjectivity

 

[səbˌdʒɛkˈtɪvɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

study

The quality or state of being subjective, or based on individual feelings or opinions rather than external facts.

Synonyms

personal opinion, subjectiveness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
subjectivity

The term is typically used in academic or philosophical discussions to denote the influence of personal feelings, tastes, or opinions in decision-making or judgment processes.

  • The subjectivity in his analysis made the conclusions less reliable
  • Art critique often involves a high degree of subjectivity
subjectiveness

This word is less common and can be seen as a variation of 'subjectivity', often found in more formal or academic texts to describe the quality of being influenced by personal feelings.

  • The subjectiveness of the review was questioned by many readers
  • Despite the subjectiveness of the matter, a decision had to be made
personal opinion

This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversation to express an individual's own thoughts or beliefs, emphasizing that the statement is not universally accepted but is held by the speaker.

  • In my personal opinion, this is the best movie of the year
  • She shared her personal opinion on the new policy during the meeting

Examples of usage

  • The subjectivity of the research findings made it difficult to draw objective conclusions.
  • Her decision was influenced by the subjectivity of her personal experiences.
Context #2 | Noun

philosophy

The doctrine that all knowledge is subjective and that there is no external or objective reality.

Synonyms

relativism, subjective idealism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
subjectivity

Subjectivity is used when discussing personal perspectives, feelings, or opinions. It highlights how individuals perceive the world based on their own experiences, emotions, and biases.

  • Her subjectivity influenced her interpretation of the novel.
  • The essay focused on the subjectivity of the artist's work.
relativism

Relativism is used in philosophical and ethical discussions where the validity of beliefs, values, and truths is viewed as relative to cultural, social, or individual differences. It's often debated in contexts involving moral or cultural judgment.

  • Cultural relativism argues that we should understand other cultures on their own terms.
  • His argument leaned heavily on moral relativism, suggesting that ethical truths vary between societies.
subjective idealism

Subjective idealism is used in philosophical discussions, especially those concerning metaphysics and epistemology. It refers to the belief that reality is mentally constructed and that there is no existence independent of perception.

  • Berkeley's subjective idealism posits that objects only exist as perceptions in the mind.
  • In her thesis, she defended subjective idealism, arguing that our reality is fundamentally shaped by individual consciousness.

Examples of usage

  • His philosophical stance is rooted in the belief in subjectivity as the ultimate truth.
  • The concept of subjectivity challenges traditional notions of objective truth.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, subjectivity often refers to personal perspectives, feelings, and opinions, showing how they differ from objective facts.
  • Renowned philosopher Immanuel Kant argued that our experiences shape our reality, indicating that knowledge is subjective to our senses.
  • Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre emphasized the importance of individual experience and choice, exemplifying the core of subjective thinking.

Psychology

  • In psychology, subjectivity can affect how people perceive events, as individual experiences and emotions shape their understanding.
  • Research shows that memories are often reconstructed based on personal feelings and beliefs, highlighting the subjective nature of recall.
  • Cognitive biases, like confirmation bias, illustrate how people favor information that aligns with their beliefs, deeply influencing subjective judgment.

Art

  • In art, subjectivity is crucial, as each viewer’s background and feelings greatly influence their interpretation of a piece.
  • Famous abstract artist Jackson Pollock encouraged subjectivity in art, as his works evoke different feelings and thoughts in each observer.
  • Art critics often debate subjectivity versus objectivity, discussing whether the value of art lies in universal truths or personal feelings.

Sociology

  • Sociologists examine how subjectivity shapes social identity, as individual experiences affect group dynamics and personal roles.
  • The concept of social constructionism suggests that our understanding of reality is shaped by shared beliefs, making it inherently subjective.
  • Narratives and lived experiences of marginalized groups highlight the significance of subjectivity in shaping societal views and policies.

Literature

  • In literature, narrative perspective defines subjectivity, as the voice of a narrator can heavily influence how a story is perceived.
  • Many novelists use unreliable narrators to challenge readers' perceptions, demonstrating how subjective interpretation can alter understanding.
  • Poetry often embraces subjectivity, allowing writers to express personal emotions and experiences that resonate differently with each reader.

Translations

Translations of the word "subjectivity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subjetividade

🇮🇳 विषयपरकता

🇩🇪 Subjektivität

🇮🇩 subjektivitas

🇺🇦 суб'єктивність

🇵🇱 subiektywność

🇯🇵 主観性

🇫🇷 subjectivité

🇪🇸 subjetividad

🇹🇷 öznellik

🇰🇷 주관성

🇸🇦 ذاتية

🇨🇿 subjektivita

🇸🇰 subjektivita

🇨🇳 主观性

🇸🇮 subjektivnost

🇮🇸 huglægni

🇰🇿 субъективтік

🇬🇪 სუბიექტურობა

🇦🇿 subyektivlik

🇲🇽 subjetividad

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,587, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.