Meaning & Definition
noun
A person or thing that is being discussed, described, or dealt with.
The subject of the meeting was the upcoming project deadlines.
A branch of knowledge studied or taught in a school, college, or university.
She decided to major in biology as her favorite subject.
The part of a sentence that indicates what it is about, typically a noun or pronoun.
In the sentence 'The cat sleeps,' 'the cat' is the subject.
A person under the authority of a monarch or state.
As a subject of the king, he owed loyalty to the crown.
verb
To bring a person or thing under control or influence.
The scientist aimed to subject the materials to extreme temperatures to test their durability.
To make someone experience something unpleasant or to endure something.
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.
Slang Meanings
Subjected to scrutiny or criticism.
He's been the subject of a lot of media attention lately.
The person or topic of gossip.
Did you hear? She's the subject of the latest rumors.