adj
Common
subjective
suhb-JEHK-tihv
Subjective (adj) means Based on personal feelings, opinions, or perspective rather than on objective fact. Example: “Whether a film is good is a subjective question, because everyone sees it differently.”
adj
1
Based on personal feelings, opinions, or perspective rather than on objective fact.
"Whether a film is good is a subjective question, because everyone sees it differently."
"Taste in music is entirely subjective."
"The judges tried to set aside subjective bias and score on technical merit alone."
How to use subjective
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishComing from someone's personal viewpoint rather than a measurable, provable fact.
Common mistake
The opposite of subjective is objective — based on facts that don't depend on who is looking at them.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
subjective opinion
highly subjective
subjective experience
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Word forms
- Plural
- subjectives
- Comparative
- more subjective
- Superlative
- most subjective
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Whether a film is good is a _____ question, because everyone sees it differently.
Etymology
From Latin subiectīvus, built from subject plus the adjective-forming -ive.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for subjective
See all rhymes for subjective →Frequently asked questions
What does “subjective” mean?
The word “subjective” means based on personal feelings, opinions, or perspective rather than on objective fact. In plain terms, coming from someone's personal viewpoint rather than a measurable, provable fact.
How do you pronounce “subjective”?
“Subjective” is pronounced suhb-JEHK-tihv (/səbˈd͡ʒɛktɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “subjective” in a sentence?
Here is “subjective” used in a sentence: “Taste in music is entirely subjective.”
What is the opposite of “subjective”?
The opposite of “subjective” — its antonyms — is objective.
What part of speech is “subjective”?
“Subjective” is an adjective.
Where does the word “subjective” come from?
The word “subjective” comes from Latin. From Latin subiectīvus, built from subject plus the adjective-forming -ive.
Is “subjective” a common word?
“Subjective” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between subjective and objective?
Subjective means based on personal feelings, opinions, or perspective, so it can vary from person to person, as in 'taste in music is subjective.' Objective means based on verifiable facts independent of personal feelings, so it stays consistent regardless of who is assessing it.
Can something be both subjective and true?
Yes, a subjective statement can still be honestly held and meaningful to the person expressing it, even though it reflects personal opinion rather than a fact that can be independently verified. For example, 'this is the best movie ever' is subjective but sincere.
Is subjective a negative word when describing an opinion?
Not necessarily; subjective simply describes an opinion or judgment shaped by personal perspective rather than something wrong or invalid. It becomes a criticism mainly when objectivity is expected but personal bias influences the result instead, such as in grading or judging.
