subjective - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
subjective Word Meanings
- Based on personal feelings or opinions
- Not objective, influenced by personal perspectives
- Relating to the thoughts and feelings of an individual
subjective Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
subjective Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/səbˈdʒɛk.tɪv/
US
/səbˈdʒɛk.tɪv/
subjective Word Etymology
Sub- = under, ject = throw/cast; Historical origin: Latin → Old French → English. Memory image: Imagine a person throwing a thought under the couch, showing that subjective views are often hidden and personal, coming from beneath the surface.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Subjective is an adjective that means based on personal feelings or opinions rather than objective facts. It highlights judgments shaped by mood, experience, culture, or perspective, not verifiable evidence. In everyday use it often refers to a person’s view or impression, which can be biased or incomplete. In academic and professional writing, we contrast subjective judgments with objective data to show what is proven. Remember that subjective statements can be valid in describing experience, but they are not interchangeable with proven facts. The word frequently collocates with view, opinion, bias, and perception.
Usage Reminders
- Use subjective to describe impressions or judgments based on personal feelings, not facts.
- Pair with nouns like view, opinion, bias, or impression.
- Contrast subjective with objective to show what can be proven.
- Subjective statements can describe experience but aren’t proven facts.
- Use the adverb subjectively when describing actions from a personal point of view.
Common Misconceptions
- Subjective is just another word for personal opinion, which is not always true.
- Subjective means biased or wrong in every situation.
- You should replace subjective with objective whenever possible.
- Confusing subjective with emotional or mood-based.
- Thinking subjective always refers to negative judgments.
Thinking Differences
In English, subjective is a standard academic term that marks a viewpoint colored by personal experience. Learners often overgeneralize it as simply 'personal' or worry it always implies bias. English uses clear contrasts with objective and common collocations like subjective view, subjective opinion, and subjective bias to signal limits of verifiability.
Learning Tips
- Read examples to see how opinions are framed.
- Practice distinguishing subjective vs objective in writing.
- Use subjectively to describe actions from a personal viewpoint.
- Note common collocations like subjective view, opinion, bias.
- Avoid overusing subjective when facts are verifiable.
- Compare translations to see nuance in your language.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'subjective' used correctly?
A.He conducted a very subjective experiment.
B.Her decision was based on objective evidence.
C.The report contained only subjective facts.
D.The review was written from a subjective point of view.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'subjective'?
A.Unbiased
B.Partial
C.Objective
D.Impersonal
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'subjective'?
A.Neutral
B.Indifferent
C.Objective
D.Unprejudiced
Step 5: Mastery
How is the concept of 'subjective' relevant in a court case?
A.Determining facts based on evidence
B.Using only verifiable data
C.Relying solely on expert testimony
D.Considering the personal opinion of a witness
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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