Meaning & Definition of word "Subject"

Subject

/ˈsʌb.dʒekt/

noun:

  • 1. A person or thing that is being discussed, described, or dealt with.
    • Example: The subject of the meeting was the upcoming project deadlines.
  • 2. A branch of knowledge studied or taught in a school, college, or university.
    • Example: She decided to major in biology as her favorite subject.
  • 3. The part of a sentence that indicates what it is about, typically a noun or pronoun.
    • Example: In the sentence 'The cat sleeps,' 'the cat' is the subject.
  • 4. A person under the authority of a monarch or state.
    • Example: As a subject of the king, he owed loyalty to the crown.

verb:

  • 1. To bring a person or thing under control or influence.
    • Example: The scientist aimed to subject the materials to extreme temperatures to test their durability.
  • 2. To make someone experience something unpleasant or to endure something.
    • Example: She refused to subject her children to such harsh conditions.

Etymology

From Latin 'subjectus,' meaning 'lying under, subjected, brought under,' from 'sub-' (under) + 'jacere' (to throw).

Common Phrases and Expressions

subject to change:

Indicates that something may be modified or altered.

subject matter:

The content or topic dealt with in a text or conversation.

in the subject:

Refers to the main topic of discussion.

Related Words

object:

A noun or noun phrase referring to a person, place, or thing.

predicate:

The part of a sentence or clause that expresses what is said about the subject.

Slang Meanings of subject

Meaning: Subjected to scrutiny or criticism.

Example Sentence: He's been the subject of a lot of media attention lately.

Meaning: The person or topic of gossip.

Example Sentence: Did you hear? She's the subject of the latest rumors.