Subject
/ˈsʌbdʒɪkt/
Definitions
5 meaningsThe topic or the thing that is being discussed, considered, or dealt with.
/ˈsʌbdʒɪkt/
A person or thing that is being discussed, described, or dealt with.
The subject of the presentation was climate change.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're talking with your friends. The subject is what you're chatting about – it could be your favorite game, a movie, or even what you had for dinner! It's the main idea.
👶 For kids: The thing you're talking about!
More Examples
He is a brilliant scientist and expert on the subject.
The artist chose a portrait as the subject of her latest painting.
How It's Used
"The main subject of the meeting was the budget."
"She is taking history as a subject this year."
"The artist chose a landscape as the subject of his painting."
A specific area of study or learning.
/ˈsʌbdʒɪkt/
A branch of knowledge studied in a school, college, or university.
My favorite subject in school is English.
💡 Simply: In school, you learn different subjects like science, math, and history. Each subject is a different topic you study.
👶 For kids: Things you learn about at school!
More Examples
He is taking a course in the subject of biology.
She struggled with the subject of calculus.
How It's Used
"She excels in all her subjects, especially mathematics."
A person who is under the authority or control of another, especially a monarch or government.
/ˈsʌbdʒɪkt/
A person or thing that is under the control or authority of another.
The king ruled over his subjects with fairness.
💡 Simply: Imagine a king or queen. All the people who live in their kingdom are their subjects. They follow their rules.
👶 For kids: Someone who lives in a king or queen's kingdom.
More Examples
As a citizen, he is also a subject of the law.
The queen’s subjects celebrated her birthday.
How It's Used
"The citizens of the country are subjects of the crown."
To cause someone or something to experience something unpleasant or to bring someone under control.
/səbˈdʒɛkt/
To cause or force someone to experience or be subjected to something unpleasant.
The company was subjected to a severe audit.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have to do something you don't like. If you are subject to it, that means you are forced to do it. Like being subject to getting a shot.
👶 For kids: To make someone do something they don't want to.
More Examples
They were subjected to harsh criticism for their actions.
The experiment was subject to strict conditions.
How It's Used
"The project was subject to numerous delays."
"He was subjected to intense questioning by the police."
To bring someone or something under domination or control
/səbˈdʒɛkt/
The conquerors subjected the native population to their own laws.
💡 Simply: Imagine a king who forces people to do what he wants. This is a situation of being subject.
👶 For kids: Make someone or something do what you say.
More Examples
The powerful empire subjected many smaller nations to its control.
The government subjected the rebels to strict surveillance.
How It's Used
"The invaders subjected the local population to their rule."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
subject to
Likely to be affected by something; conditional on something.
"Your application is subject to review."
on the subject of
Concerning or about a particular topic.
"Let's talk on the subject of the new project."
the subject matter
The topic being discussed or considered.
"The subject matter of the book was quite controversial."
From Latin *subiectus*, past participle of *subicere* ('to throw under, lay under, subject'), from *sub-* ('under') + *iacere* ('to throw'). The meaning evolved from 'lying under authority' to the modern meanings.
Historically, the word has been used to denote a person under the rule of a sovereign or ruler.
Memory tip
Think of the *subject* as the main *topic* of a discussion.
Word Origin
"thrown under, subjected"