subject
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for subject, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The main topic being discussed, studied, or shown in a work of art.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use subject
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin subiectus, "lying under, placed beneath" — from sub ("under") plus iaciō ("to throw"), so literally "thrown under."
Full origin of subject →Frequently asked questions
What does “subject” mean?
The word “subject” means the main topic being discussed, studied, or shown in a work of art. In plain terms, depending on context: a topic, a grammatical role, a test participant, or someone under a ruler's authority.
How do you pronounce “subject”?
“Subject” is pronounced SUHB-jihkt (/ˈsʌb.d͡ʒɛkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “subject” in a sentence?
Here is “subject” used in a sentence: “Climate change was the subject of the panel discussion.”
What is another word for “subject”?
Words with a similar meaning to “subject” include underbring.
What part of speech is “subject”?
Depending on how it is used, “subject” can be a noun, an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “subject” come from?
The word “subject” comes from Latin. From Latin subiectus, "lying under, placed beneath" — from sub ("under") plus iaciō ("to throw"), so literally "thrown under.".
Is “subject” a common word?
“Subject” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “subject” have?
“Subject” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the main topic being discussed, studied, or shown in a work of art.
What is the difference between a subject and a topic?
The words overlap, but subject is usually broader and topic narrower. A subject is a whole field — history, or a novel's central theme. A topic is a specific point within it, such as the causes of one war. You study a subject and discuss particular topics inside it.
What is the difference between subject and object?
In grammar these are opposites. The subject does the action in a sentence — the dog barked. The object receives it — she kicked the ball. Note that subject has another meaning too: the main topic of a book, talk, or artwork, which is a different sense of the word.
What is an example of a subject in art?
In a painting, the subject is what it mainly depicts — a bowl of fruit in a still life, a person in a portrait, or a storm in a landscape. It is the central focus the artist has chosen to show, around which the rest of the work is arranged.