Subjective
/səbˈdʒɛktɪv/
Definitions
Existing in the mind; belonging to the thinking subject rather than the object of thought.
/səbˈdʒɛktɪv/
Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.
The artist's interpretation of the scene was highly subjective.
💡 Simply: Subjective means something that is based on your own thoughts and feelings, not necessarily on facts. Imagine you really love ice cream. Saying it's the best ice cream ever is a subjective opinion because others might not like it as much as you do!
👶 For kids: When something is subjective, it means it's all about what someone thinks or feels. Like, "I think this drawing is pretty!" That's subjective because it's just your opinion.
More Examples
Judgments about beauty are often subjective.
The subjective nature of personal experiences makes them difficult to share fully.
How It's Used
"Subjective reality contrasts with objective reality."
"The review offered a subjective assessment of the painting."
Idioms & expressions
Subjective experience
The experience as it is perceived and felt by a person; personal and internal
"The book focused on the subjective experience of the protagonist facing a personal crisis."
From Medieval Latin *subjectivus*, from *subjectum* ('subject'), from Latin *sub-* ('under') + *jacere* ('to throw'). It originally referred to something pertaining to the subject of thought.
Used in philosophical discussions since the 17th century to differentiate between personal and external viewpoints.
Memory tip
Think of a subject's *views* – they're subjective!