- sub|ject
- sub|ject «noun, adjective. SUHB jihkt, -jehkt; verb. suhb JEHKT», noun, adjective, verb.–n.1. something thought about, discussed, or studied: »
a subject of discussion or negotiation, the subject of a sermon. The subject for our composition was “An Exciting Moment.”
2. something learned or taught; course of study in some branch of knowledge: »English, history, arithmetic, and science are some of the subjects we take up in school.
SYNONYM(S): discipline.3. a) a person under the rule of a state, government, sovereign, or other individual or system: »the subjects of a king. The kings of our own day very much resemble their subjects in education and breeding (Benjamin Jowett).
b) a person who is under the power, control, or influence of another: »The slaves refused to remain the master's subjects and made plans to break free.
4. a person or thing that undergoes or experiences something: »Rabbits and mice are often subjects for medical experiments. The patient of a doctor or psychologist is his subject. Medical students dissect dead bodies which they call subjects.
5. Grammar. the word or group of words about which something is said in a sentence. The subject is usually the performer of the action of an active verb or the receiver of the action of a passive verb. I is the subject of the following sentences: I see the cat. I am seen by the cat. I can see. Abbr: subj.6. a) the theme of a book, poem, or other literary work. b) a figure, scene, object, or incident, chosen by an artist for representation. c) Music. the theme or melody on which a work or movement is based.7. Philosophy. a) the substance of anything, as contrasted with its qualities or attributes. b) the mind or self, as contrasted with everything outside the mind. c) substance or reality, as contrasted with appearance.8. Logic. a) the term of a proposition of which the other term (predicate) is affirmed or denied. b) the thing about which such affirmation or denial is made.9. a ground, motive, or cause: »Lateness and carelessness are subjects for complaint.
–adj.1. under the power or influence of; bound by loyalty or allegiance (to): »We are subject to our country's laws.
2. under some power or influence: »the subject nations of an empire.
3. likely to have; liable to suffer from; prone (to): »subject to decay. I am subject to colds. Japan is a country subject to earthquakes. Human affairs are all subject to changes and disasters (Daniel Defoe).
–v.t.1. to bring under some power or influence: »Ancient Rome subjected all Italy to her rule.
2. to make subordinate or submissive: »to subject the minds of a people.
3. to cause to undergo or experience something: »The savages subjected their captives to torture. The lawyer subjected the witness to grueling cross-examination.
4. to make liable (to have or receive); lay open (to); expose: »The location of the island in the middle of the ocean subjects it to frequent hurricanes.
5. Obsolete. to put, lay, or spread under.╂[< Latin subjectus, past participle of subicere place under < sub- under + jacere throw]Synonym Study noun.1 Subject, topic mean the main thing or idea thought, talked, or written about, as in a conversation, lecture, essay, or book. Subject is the general word: »She tried to change the subject. Juvenile delinquency is a broad subject.
Topic particularly applies to a limited and definitely stated subject often having to do with a current event or problem that is, or is to be, discussed in a lecture, essay, or the like, or some part of it: »“The need for a recreation center here” is today's topic.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.
