What does subjectively mean?
Subjectively is an adverb meaning in accordance with personal feelings, tastes, perceptions, or judgments rather than with an objective or externally verifiable standard. It often describes how an experience is perceived, how an artwork is interpreted, or how an argument is evaluated. For example, a response that may be subjectively satisfying does not necessarily have factual or practical value. The word is useful when a discussion concerns perspective and the role of an observer's judgment, especially in aesthetics, criticism, ethics, and everyday conversation. It can also carry a mildly critical implication: calling something subjective suggests that other people might reasonably assess it differently or that it relies on preference rather than evidence. The term is most often used in thoughtful or formal registers, though its basic meaning is also common in general speech. In careful discussion, it is frequently paired with objectively, but the contrast is not always a strict logical opposition, since objective claims and subjective judgments can still influence one another. Overall, the word marks the point where personal response enters an assessment.
adverbIn a way that is based on personal feelings, tastes, perceptions, or judgments rather than on an objective or externally verifiable standard.
- Based on or expressing an individual person's feelings, tastes, perceptions, or judgments rather than an objective standard.
"The design is subjectively appealing, although its practical advantages are less apparent."
"Some readers found the ending subjectively powerful even though several plot details seemed implausible."
"The assessment was subjectively biased toward work created by people from the same background."
Subjectively means the answer may depend on who is answering.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does subjectively come from?
Subjectively was formed from the adjective subjective with the adverbial suffix -ly. The adjective subjective comes from Medieval Latin subjectivus, based on Latin subjectus, meaning “subjected” or “exposed,” and ultimately on subjicere, “to place under.” The same Latin foundation is reflected in cognates including subject, subjection, and subjunctive.
How subjectively is actually used
Common in formal and semi-formal discussion, especially when contrasting personal judgment with factual or objective assessment. Depending on context, it can be neutral or mildly critical, suggesting that another person might reasonably judge the matter differently.
Easily confused with subjectively
Subjectively emphasizes an assessment based on personal judgment, whereas objectively emphasizes a standard that is independent of individual feelings or preferences.