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subjective

/səbˈdʒɛktɪv/
/səbˈdʒɛktɪv/
IPA guide

Things that are subjective are open to interpretation. If you go see a movie about a jewel thief, the topic is not subjective. But whether it's a good movie or not is subjective.

Subjective things depend on your own ideas and opinions: there isn't any universal truth. Subjective is the opposite of objective, which refers to things that are more clear-cut. That Earth has one moon is objective — it's a fact. Whether the moon is pretty or not is subjective — not everyone will agree. Facts are objective, but opinions are subjective. What's the best song, band, movie, or TV show? These are all very subjective issues. There's no right answer.

Definitions of subjective
  1. adjective
    taking place within the mind and modified by individual bias
    “a subjective judgment”
    synonyms:
    personal
    particular to a given individual
    prejudiced
    emanating from a person's emotions and prejudices
    unobjective, unverifiable
    (of e.g. evidence) not objective or easily verified
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    objective
    undistorted by emotion or personal bias; based on observable phenomena
    clinical
    scientifically detached; unemotional
    impersonal, neutral
    having no personal preference
    verifiable
    capable of being verified
  2. adjective
    of a mental act performed entirely within the mind
    synonyms: immanent
Pronunciation
US
/səbˈdʒɛktɪv/
UK
/səbˈdʒɛktɪv/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘subjective'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Commonly confused words

objective / subjective

Anything objective sticks to the facts, but anything subjective has feelings. Objective and subjective are opposites. Objective: It is raining. Subjective: I love the rain!

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