What does subject mean?
Subject is a common English word with several related meanings. Most often, it names the topic or matter under discussion, as in “the subject of the debate.” It can also refer to a person in a subordinate position, especially in the context of a monarch or government, and to an academic field of study. In grammar, the subject is the element of a clause that identifies who or what is involved, especially as the doer of the verb or the topic being discussed. As an adjective, “subject” often means open to something or dependent upon a condition, as in “subject to approval.” As a verb, “subject” means to place someone or something under authority, control, or examination. Across these uses, the underlying idea is of something being placed before a person, authority, or discussion.
The person, thing, topic, or area of discussion that is being considered; a person under the authority of another; or a field of study.
"The committee postponed its decision because the subject required further research."
In a grammatical context, the subject is the noun or noun phrase that the clause is about and that commonly performs the verb’s action.
Especially likely or exposed to something; dependent on a condition; or requiring official acceptance.
"The agreement is subject to review by the governing board."
The construction “subject to” is especially common in legal, financial, and administrative language.
To bring someone or something under the authority, control, scrutiny, or jurisdiction of another.
"The investigators subjected the records to a detailed audit."
The verb is less common in everyday speech than the noun and adjective forms.
Use “subjects” for multiple people, topics, things under discussion, or areas of study.
"The guide covers subjects ranging from astronomy to architecture."
The word subject comes from the Latin for “thrown under,” reflecting the idea of placing someone or something under authority, scrutiny, or discussion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does subject come from?
Subject comes through Old French from Latin subjectus, a past participle of subjicere, meaning “to place under” or “to throw under.” Its components are the prefix sub-, meaning “under,” and jacere, “to throw” or “to place.” Latin developed several derivatives from the same root, including subjectus and subjicere; the English forms subject, subjection, and subjugate reflect related uses of the idea of placing something under control.
Related word forms
How subject is actually used
The word is extremely versatile. In formal administrative language, “subject to” commonly means conditional upon something or dependent on approval. As a noun, “subject” can refer to a grammatical topic, a person in a subordinate role, or an academic discipline, depending on context.
Easily confused with subject
A subject is the person or thing being discussed or acted upon, whereas an object is the thing perceived or acted upon.
A topic is usually a subject considered in general or as part of a discussion, while a subject can also refer to a person under authority or to an area of study.