Meaning of Word
Subjective refers to something that is influenced by personal feelings, opinions, or experiences, rather than being based on external facts or objective reality. It is often used to describe judgments, perceptions, or interpretations that vary from person to person.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Based on personal feelings or opinions – Not influenced by external evidence or facts but shaped by individual emotions or perspectives.
- Pertaining to the mind or self – Relating to internal mental states or personal experiences.
- Relating to personal bias – Involving interpretation or decisions influenced by personal bias rather than impartial analysis.
- Dependent on individual perception – Varying according to different people’s views, feelings, or cultural background.
History and Origin
The word “subjective” originates from the Latin word “subjectivus,” meaning “relating to a subject.” Its roots can be traced back to philosophy, particularly in discussions about the distinction between subjective and objective reality. In the 17th century, philosophers like Descartes used the term to explore the nature of personal perception and consciousness. Over time, it entered broader use to describe any judgment or perspective influenced by personal feelings.
Detailed Explanation
Subjective is commonly contrasted with objective, which refers to impartial or fact-based perspectives. Subjectivity is integral to human experiences, as perceptions, emotions, and interpretations are inherently personal. It can be seen in various contexts:
- In art and literature: Subjective interpretations vary based on personal taste and cultural background.
- In decision-making: A subjective choice might rely on intuition or personal preference rather than empirical data.
- In psychology: Subjective experiences include emotions, thoughts, and sensations that are unique to the individual.
Subjectivity highlights the variability in how people perceive and react to the world, making it essential for understanding diversity in opinions and experiences.
Example Sentences
- “The movie received mixed reviews because opinions about its quality were highly subjective.”
- “Her evaluation of the artwork was subjective, influenced by her personal taste in colors.”
- “Pain tolerance is a subjective experience that varies from person to person.”
- “The decision to hire the candidate seemed subjective rather than based on qualifications.”
- “Memory can be subjective, as people often recall events differently.”
- “What you find beautiful is subjective and depends on your perspective.”
- “The teacher’s grading criteria seemed too subjective to some students.”
- “Her happiness was subjective, tied to her personal values and experiences.”
- “Cultural preferences are often subjective, shaped by traditions and upbringing.”
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Personal – Relating to individual opinions or feelings, similar to subjective.
- Biased – Showing personal preference or inclination, often subjective.
- Emotional – Driven by feelings rather than facts, akin to subjectivity.
- Interpretive – Open to individual interpretation, based on personal perspective.
- Impressionistic – Based on personal impressions rather than systematic analysis.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Objective – The opposite of subjective, referring to impartial, fact-based perspectives.
- Perspective – A particular point of view that can be subjective in nature.
- Opinion – A personal belief or judgment, inherently subjective.
- Perception – The way one interprets or understands something, often shaped by subjective factors.
- Bias – A tendency to favor personal views or inclinations, closely linked to subjectivity.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Subjectivity – The quality of being influenced by personal feelings or experiences.
- Self-perception – How one views themselves, often subjective in nature.
- Interpretation – The act of explaining something, frequently influenced by subjective views.
- Emotive – Appealing to or influenced by emotions, aligning with subjectivity.
- Individuality – The unique traits and views that contribute to subjective differences.
Antonyms
- Objective – Unbiased and fact-based, the opposite of subjective.
- Impartial – Free from personal bias or emotions, in contrast to subjective.
- Unbiased – Neutral and not influenced by personal feelings.
- Factual – Based entirely on verifiable information, opposing subjective.
- Universal – Applicable to everyone and not influenced by individual differences.