SUBJECT

Definition of SUBJECT

SUBJECT Noun, Verb and Adjective

Subject is a versatile word that can function as a noun, verb, or adjective. As a noun, it refers to a person, thing, or topic being discussed, studied, or considered. As a verb, it means to bring under control or expose someone or something to a particular experience or action. As an adjective, it describes something or someone that is dependent on or influenced by external factors or authority.

SUBJECT as a noun

Person or Thing Under Discussion: As a noun, subject refers to the main focus or topic of discussion, consideration, or study. For example, “The subject of today’s meeting is the new company policy.”

Area of Study or Academic Discipline: In an academic context, subject refers to a specific area of knowledge or discipline that someone studies or teaches. For example, “Mathematics was always her favorite subject in school.”

Person Under Authority or Jurisdiction: In a legal or governmental context, a subject can refer to an individual who is under the rule or jurisdiction of a monarch or state. For example, “As a British subject, he was entitled to certain protections under the law.”

Grammatical Role in a Sentence: In grammar, the subject is the part of a sentence or clause that indicates who or what is performing the action of the verb. For example, in the sentence “The dog barks,” “The dog” is the subject.

SUBJECT as a verb

To Bring Under Control or Influence: As a verb, subject means to bring someone or something under control, authority, or influence, often forcefully. It implies domination or subjugation. For example, “The army was able to subject the rebellious region to its control.”

To Expose to an Experience or Condition: It can also mean to cause someone or something to experience or undergo something, often something unpleasant or difficult. For example, “The workers were subjected to long hours of labor in harsh conditions.”

SUBJECT as an adjective

Dependent on or Influenced by: When used as an adjective, subject describes something that is dependent on or likely to be influenced or affected by a particular condition or action. For example, “The contract is subject to approval by the board of directors.”

Under Authority or Control: It can also mean being under the rule or authority of someone else. For example, “The conquered people were subject to the laws of the empire.”

Academic and Intellectual Focus: In academic settings, subject is most commonly used to refer to the specific area of study or focus. This term is neutral and conveys a sense of inquiry or intellectual engagement. For example, “History was his major subject at university.”

Authority and Power Dynamics: When used to describe a person under authority, the word subject can carry a connotation of subjugation or lack of autonomy, especially in a political or legal sense. For example, “During the colonial period, the indigenous people were subjects of the empire.”

Exposure to Experience or Risk: As a verb, subject often implies being forced to endure something difficult or challenging, and it carries a more negative or forceful connotation. For example, “The prisoners were subjected to harsh interrogations.”

Philosophical Concept of the Subject: In philosophy, the term subject is often contrasted with object. The subject refers to the conscious being or self that perceives and interacts with the world, while the object is what is perceived or acted upon. This philosophical distinction explores the nature of consciousness, identity, and existence. For example, “In existential philosophy, the subject is central to discussions of personal freedom and responsibility.”

Political Subjects and Citizenship: Historically, being a subject meant being under the authority of a monarch, with rights and obligations defined by that relationship. Today, this term still exists in some countries, though it has largely been replaced by the concept of citizenship in democracies. For example, “As a royal subject, he was expected to show loyalty to the crown.”

In conclusion, subject is a multifaceted word with different meanings depending on its use as a noun, verb, or adjective. As a noun, it can refer to a person or thing under discussion, an academic discipline, or an individual under authority. As a verb, it means to bring under control or expose to a particular experience. As an adjective, it describes something that is dependent on or influenced by external conditions. Across these uses, subject plays a crucial role in discussions of authority, knowledge, and experience, making it a word with broad application in various contexts.

Examples of SUBJECT in a sentence

SUBJECT as a noun in a sentence

  • The subject of the essay was the impact of climate change on coastal cities.
  • She chose the subject of economics for her major in college.
  • The teacher introduced a new subject in class that fascinated the students.
  • The book covers a wide range of subjects, including history, politics, and science.
  • During the discussion, they shifted the subject to focus on current events.
  • His research subject was the influence of social media on adolescent behavior.
  • The documentary’s subject was the lives of indigenous communities in South America.
  • They debated the subject of healthcare reform for hours without reaching a consensus.

SUBJECT as a verb in a sentence

  • She had to subject her work to a rigorous review process before submission.
  • The scientist will subject the materials to various tests to determine their durability.
  • The new policy will subject employees to additional training requirements.
  • They plan to subject the proposal to a series of evaluations before approval.
  • The research team will subject the data to statistical analysis for accurate results.
  • He agreed to subject himself to the rules of the competition to ensure fairness.
  • The study will subject participants to a range of psychological assessments.
  • The company will subject the product to stress tests to ensure its reliability.

SUBJECT as an adjective in a sentence

  • The subject matter of the conference was the future of renewable energy.
  • Her subject expertise in medieval literature made her a sought-after speaker.
  • The subject line of the email clearly indicated its importance.
  • The subject classification of the book helped readers find it easily in the library.
  • He presented a subject overview to give the audience a broad understanding of the topic.
  • The subject approach to teaching emphasized practical applications of theoretical concepts.
  • The subject criteria for the study were carefully defined to ensure accurate results.
  • The subject position in the organization was critical for the project’s success.

Subject as an adjective often describes something that is related to or connected with the subject of discussion or study.

Origin of SUBJECT

Subject traces its origins back to the Latin word subjectus, meaning “underlying” or “subjugated.” This term comes from the Latin verb subicere, meaning “to throw under” or “to subject,” which is a combination of sub (under) and iacere (to throw).

  • Latin: Subjectus (underlying, subjugated), from subicere (to throw under), from sub (under) and iacere (to throw).
  • Old French: The Latin subjectus evolved into Old French as sujet, meaning “subject” or “person under authority.”
  • Middle English: The term entered Middle English as subject, referring to a person under authority, a topic of discussion, or the main focus of a matter.

In contemporary English, subject has multiple meanings. It can refer to a person who is governed or under the rule of another, a topic or area of study, or the main focus of a discussion or work. The term has evolved from its original sense of being under authority to include a range of contexts where something is the main focus or central topic. The evolution of subject reflects its broad application in various fields, including governance, academia, and discourse.

Synonyms

  • Topic
  • Issue
  • Theme
  • Matter
  • Focus
  • Area
  • Field
  • Discipline

Antonyms

  • Object
  • Exempt
  • Unrelated
  • Nonissue
  • Peripheral
  • Unconcerned
  • Irrelevant
  • Excluded

Related

  • Subject matter
  • Study
  • Topic of discussion
  • Area of interest
  • Field of study
  • Course
  • Content
  • Focus of attention

🌐 🇬🇧 SUBJECT in other languages

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