Meaning & Definition of word "Subset"

Subset

/ˈsʌbˌsɛt/

noun:

  • 1. A set that is entirely contained within another set.
    • Example: The set of even numbers is a subset of the set of integers.
  • 2. Any portion of a larger group or category.
    • Example: The group of volunteers is a subset of the entire community.
  • 3. In mathematics, a subset is a collection of elements that are all members of another set.
    • Example: If A = {1, 2, 3} and B = {1, 2}, then B is a subset of A.

Etymology

Derived from 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'set' from Latin 'satus,' meaning 'to place.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

proper subset:

A subset that contains some but not all elements of the larger set.

null subset:

The subset that contains no elements, also known as the empty set.

power set:

The set of all possible subsets of a given set.

Related Words

set:

A collection of distinct objects, considered as an object in its own right.

element:

An individual object or member of a set.

union:

The set containing all elements of two or more sets.

Slang Meanings of subset

Meaning: A smaller or specialized group within a larger community.

Example Sentence: That gamer community is just a subset of the larger online gaming world.

Meaning: A specific category within a broader classification.

Example Sentence: The tech startup scene is a subset of the overall business landscape.