noun

subject

SUHB-jihkt

noun

The main topic being discussed, studied, or shown in a work of art.

"Climate change was the subject of the panel discussion."

"History was always her favorite subject at school."

The person or thing a sentence is about — grammatically, the doer of the action.

"In "the dog barked," "the dog" is the subject."

A person or animal being examined, tested, or treated, especially in an experiment.

"Each subject in the trial received the new medication."

A citizen or member of a state ruled by a monarch.

"As a subject of the Crown, she carried a British passport."

adj

Likely to experience or be affected by something.

"The coastal town is subject to frequent flooding."

verb

To force someone to go through an experience, usually an unpleasant one.

"The prisoners were subjected to harsh interrogation."

How to Use Subject

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDepending on context: a topic, a grammatical role, a test participant, or someone under a ruler's authority.

Common mistake

As an adjective meaning "liable to," it's always followed by "to" — "subject to delay," not "subject for delay."

Common pairings

subject to change subject matter test subject change the subject

more subject comparative, subjected past tense, subjects plural, subjects singular, most subject superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

Climate change was the _____ of the panel discussion.

From Latin subiectus, "lying under, placed beneath" — from sub ("under") plus iaciō ("to throw"), so literally "thrown under."

underbring

underbring