subjective
suhb-JEK-tiv
/səbˈdʒɛktɪv/
Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.
Subjective emphasizes the individual's unique perspective and internal experience, which may vary greatly from person to person.
The story behind the word. The word 'subjective' also comes from Latin, combining 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'jacere' meaning 'to throw.' In philosophy, a 'subject' is the thinking or feeling 'self,' as opposed to an 'object' which is external. Thus, 'subjective' came to describe something originating in or belonging to the individual conscious mind, rather than external reality. It emphasizes the internal, personal experience.
Word relationships
- personal: Relating to or affecting a particular person.
- individual: Relating to or characteristic of a particular person or thing.
- biased: Having or showing an unfair tendency to believe that some people, ideas, etc., are better than others.
- objective: Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.
- impartial: Treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just.
- factual: Concerned with what is actually the case rather than interpretations or beliefs.
Commonly confused with
- objective: Subjective is based on personal feelings and opinions, while objective is based on facts and not personal feelings.
Word family
- subjectivity (noun): The quality of being based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.
- subjectively (adverb): In a subjective manner.
Collocations
- subjective opinion
- subjective experience
- subjective judgment
- highly subjective
- purely subjective
Example sentences
- "Art appreciation is often subjective; what one person finds beautiful, another might not." Discussing art criticism.
- "His account of the event was highly subjective, colored by his own fears and hopes." Evaluating a personal experience.
Memory hook
Your 'SUBject' teacher has 'SUBJEctive' opinions about your homework. Personal feelings
When not to use
Avoid using 'subjective' when you intend to convey factual, universally agreed-upon information; 'objective' would be the correct term.
Fun facts
- In philosophy, the 'subjective' realm is often contrasted with the 'objective' realm, exploring the nature of consciousness and reality.
- The concept of 'subjective truth' is central to many artistic and humanistic disciplines, where personal interpretation is valued.
Explore more words
subjectivity, objectivity, subconscious, sentience, objective, empirical
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