Subsume: meaning, definitions and examples

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subsume

 

[ səbˈsjuːm ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

general usage

To subsume means to include or absorb something within a larger category or group. In logic and philosophy, it refers to the concept of categorizing an idea or entity under a broader principle or rule. It often implies that the specifics are encompassed by the more general, thus losing their independent significance. This term is commonly used in discussions about classification, where certain items may be subsumed under a common classification or set.

Synonyms

comprise, contain, encompass, include

Examples of usage

  • All mammals subsume under the category of vertebrates.
  • The new regulations subsume several previous laws.
  • In her theory, she aimed to subsume various psychological concepts.
  • The particular cases were subsumed into a larger trend.

Translations

Translations of the word "subsume" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subscrever

🇮🇳 समाहित करना

🇩🇪 unterordnen

🇮🇩 menggabungkan

🇺🇦 включати

🇵🇱 włączyć

🇯🇵 包含する

🇫🇷 inclure

🇪🇸 incluir

🇹🇷 kapsamak

🇰🇷 포괄하다

🇸🇦 يتضمن

🇨🇿 zahrnout

🇸🇰 zahrnúť

🇨🇳 包含

🇸🇮 vključiti

🇮🇸 felldur

🇰🇿 қамту

🇬🇪 შეიცავს

🇦🇿 daxil etmək

🇲🇽 incluir

Etymology

The word 'subsume' comes from the Latin root 'subsumere', which means 'to take up under'. This is a combination of 'sub-', meaning 'under', and 'sumere', meaning 'to take'. The term made its way into English during the late 19th century, primarily through its use in scholarly texts related to philosophy and logic. It has since been adapted into various fields, including law, science, and general analysis, where the concept of categorizing and grouping is often essential. Over time, its usage has expanded, but its core meaning of encompassing something within a larger whole has remained fundamentally unchanged.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,201 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.