C1adjectiveformalphilosophyacademic
US/səbˈdʒek.tɪv/
UK/səbˈdʒek.tɪv/
based on personal feelings, tastes or opinions rather than facts
In context
Beauty is subjective, so it is hard to judge art competitions fairly.
Marking essays is more subjective than marking maths tests.
Happiness is a subjective experience that is difficult to measure.
Words that go with subjective
adverb + adjective
- highly subjectiveRatings of food are highly subjective.
- purely subjectiveHis review was purely subjective and ignored the facts.
adjective + noun
- subjective judgmentChoosing the winner involved some subjective judgment.
- subjective experiencePain is a subjective experience that differs from person to person.
- subjective opinionThat is just your subjective opinion, not a fact.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Don't be so subjective, check the road first!Correct: Don't be so careless, check the road first!