subject
Definitions
A topic or area of study.
主题；学科
The grammatical agent performing the action in a sentence.
主语（语法）
A citizen or member of a state under a monarch.
臣民
A person or thing being studied or experimented on.
实验对象；受试者
To cause someone to experience something, often unpleasant.
使遭受；使经历
Likely or prone to be affected by; conditional upon.
易受……的；取决于……的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedsub- (under) + ject (throw) = 'thrown under.' A king's subject is someone thrown under royal authority. In grammar, the subject is placed under the predicate's action. As a verb, to subject someone is to throw them under an experience.
Root ject still carries 54 more wordsWhy It Means This
The many meanings of subject all trace back to 'placed under.' A king's subject is under his rule. An academic subject is what's laid before you for study. A test subject is put under observation. The adjective 'subject to change' means something is placed under the possibility of change — it's subordinate to conditions. The verb shifts stress to the second syllable: sub-JECT means to force someone under an experience.
Usage Guide
- Topic (neutral): change the subject — shift the conversation
- Academic (neutral): My favorite subject is history — a course of study
- Grammar (technical): The subject of the sentence is 'they'
- Monarchy (formal): British subjects — people under the Crown
- Research (technical): test subjects, human subjects — people being studied
- Verb (formal): subjected to harsh criticism — forced to experience
- Adjective (formal): subject to approval — conditional, dependent on
- Stress shift: SUB-ject (noun) vs sub-JECT (verb)
Example Sentences
- 1.
Mathematics was his favorite subject in school.
- 2.
The prisoners were subjected to inhumane treatment.
- 3.
All flights are subject to delay during winter storms.
- 4.
The king's subjects gathered in the square.
Easily Confused
subject vs topic — Subject is broader: an academic field or a matter under discussion. Topic is more specific: the particular point being addressed. A subject (e.g., history) contains many topics (e.g., the French Revolution).