subject

word

/ˈsəbdʒɪkt/
SUB-jikt (noun), suhb-JEKT (verb)
/ˈsəbdʒɪkt/
SUB-jikt (noun), suhb-JEKT (verb)

Definition

A subject is the topic being talked about, studied, or discussed. It can also mean a school class, the main noun or pronoun in a sentence, or a person/thing being studied in research.

Usage & Nuances

Very common and multi-meaning. The most frequent uses are 'topic' and 'school subject'. In grammar, 'the subject of the sentence' is a technical meaning. In research, 'test subject' is common. Be careful: as an adjective/verb, 'subject to' means 'affected by' or 'dependent on', but that is a different use.

Example Sentences

Math is my favorite subject at school.

basic

We talked about the subject for an hour.

basic

In 'The dog runs,' 'the dog' is the subject.

basic

Let's change the subject—this conversation is getting awkward.

natural

History was never my best subject, to be honest.

natural

The study followed each subject for six months.

natural