Subjective Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/səbˈdʒektɪv/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Based on or influenced by personal feelings, opinions, or experiences, rather than objective facts or evidence.

Examples

• The reviewer’s subjective opinion of the movie was that it was boring.
• Beauty is a subjective quality that varies from person to person.

Synonyms

• Personal
• Biased
• Opinionated

Antonyms

• Impartial
• Factual

Additional Information

Subjective experiences and opinions can vary greatly from person to person, making it important to consider multiple perspectives when making decisions or forming judgments. In many fields, such as science and law, objective evidence and facts are preferred over subjective opinions. However, subjective experiences can also be valuable in understanding human emotions and behaviors.

In everyday life, subjective opinions and biases can influence our perceptions and decisions, often unconsciously. Being aware of our own subjective biases is crucial in making informed and fair decisions.

Eymology

The word “subjective” comes from the Latin words “subjectus,” meaning “placed under,” and “ivus,” meaning “relating to.” It was first used in the 15th century to describe things that are concerned with the individual or personal.

Usage Notes

When using the word “subjective,” be aware of the context and audience. In academic or professional settings, it’s essential to distinguish between subjective opinions and objective facts. In creative writing or personal conversations, subjective experiences and opinions can be valuable and meaningful.

Cultural References

The concept of subjective reality has been explored in various art forms, including literature, film, and music. Examples include the novel “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, the film “Inception” by Christopher Nolan, and the song “Subjective Reality” by the band The Mars Volta.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• In my subjective opinion…
• From a subjective point of view…

Related Words or Phrases

• Objective
• Bias
• Perspective

Collocations

• subjective experience
• subjective opinion
• subjective point of view

Frequency of Use

The word “subjective” is commonly used in everyday conversation, academic writing, and professional settings. According to Google Ngram, its usage has increased steadily since the 1960s.

Common Misspellings

• subjictive
• subjectiv
• sujective