Subjects Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📚
Add to dictionary

subjects

[ˈsʌbdʒɪkts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

school education

Subjects are the different areas of knowledge that are taught in schools or universities.

Synonyms

courses, disciplines, fields of study.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
subjects

General term for areas of knowledge taught in schools, universities, or other educational settings.

  • My favorite subjects in high school were mathematics and history.
  • Teachers often have to prep different subjects for various grades.
courses

Refers to specific classes or units of instruction that focus on a particular topic, often part of a curriculum in schools or universities.

  • She enrolled in three challenging courses this semester.
  • They offer online courses on computer programming.
disciplines

Academic areas of study or branches of knowledge, often used in higher education and research settings.

  • Physics and chemistry are both scientific disciplines.
  • He has published many papers in the discipline of sociology.
fields of study

Broader categories of academic subjects or professional areas, often encompassing multiple related disciplines.

  • Her field of study is biomedical engineering.
  • Students must choose a field of study by their second year.

Examples of usage

  • Mathematics and science are important subjects in school.
  • I enjoy studying history and geography as my favorite subjects.
Context #2 | Noun

discussion

Subjects can also refer to topics or themes that are being discussed.

Synonyms

issues, themes, topics.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
subjects

Best used when referring to areas of study or categories in education.

  • Mathematics and history are my favorite subjects.
  • The subjects of the report include geography and biology.
topics

Generally used to refer to subjects or points of discussion in conversations, meetings, or written pieces.

  • The main topics of the conference are climate change and sustainability.
  • Let's change the topic and talk about something more cheerful.
themes

Usually refers to underlying messages or main ideas in literature, art, or discussions.

  • The theme of the novel is the conflict between good and evil.
  • The themes of the artwork include love and loss.
issues

Typically used for problems, challenges, or topics of concern, often with a negative connotation.

  • The company is facing several financial issues.
  • There are many issues with the current healthcare system.

Examples of usage

  • The main subject of today's meeting is the budget.
  • Let's move on to the next subject on the agenda.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Educational Systems

  • Subjects can vary greatly between countries; for example, some have a subject for coding while others may focus on classical literature.
  • In many schools, core subjects like math, science, and language arts are mandatory for all students.
  • Elective subjects allow students to choose what they want to learn, like music, drama, or sports.

Cognitive Science

  • Learning about different subjects helps develop various skills in the brain, like logical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
  • Research shows that engaging with a variety of subjects can improve overall cognitive flexibility, making it easier to adapt to new ideas.
  • Subjects can be connected; for example, understanding basic math helps in learning physics or economics.

History

  • The concept of organizing knowledge into subjects dates back to ancient cultures, where education was often centered around philosophy, mathematics, and the arts.
  • During the Renaissance, subjects like anatomy and astronomy began to be studied more scientifically, laying the groundwork for modern disciplines.
  • The establishment of universities in the Middle Ages solidified formal subjects of study, leading to the degree system we have today.

Culture

  • Certain subjects reflect the culture of a society; for instance, history often focuses on the significant events and figures important to a specific region.
  • Literature as a subject allows exploration of cultural narratives and helps foster empathy by understanding diverse perspectives.
  • Art subjects often reflect social issues and can inspire change by challenging the status quo.

Pop Culture

  • Subjects like music and film are central to many modern pop culture discussions, influencing trends and youth culture.
  • Gaming has become a recognized subject of study, blending skills in art, storytelling, and strategy.
  • Education in pop culture often takes place in informal settings, such as YouTube channels teaching various subjects through engaging content.

Origin of 'subjects'

The word 'subjects' originated from the Latin word 'subjectus', which means 'lying beneath'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the different areas of study or discussion. In the context of education, subjects have been a fundamental part of curriculum development, providing students with a diverse range of knowledge and skills.


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

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,073, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.