adjective

subjective

sub-JEK-tiv/səbˈdʒektɪv/

Based on or existing within a person's own feelings or perspective.

The viewers' opposing responses to the painting show how subjective taste can be.

Two viewers visibly disagree in their appraisal of the same abstract painting: one smiles appreciatively with a thumbs-up, while the other frowns and gives a thumbs-down.

Etymology

subLatinunder

+jectLatinto throw

+iveLatinrelating to

The underlying image is something placed beneath, extended in philosophy to the subject about which a judgment is made. Treating the mind as the “thinking subject” gave subjective its sense of mental and, ultimately, personal.

In context

Brian Holdsworth0:36

the problem with any any controversial ethical discussion today is that we treat all of these kinds of questions as merely subjective. as in what we mean by right and wrong is merely personal feelings

The Modesty Paradox: How We Know Revealing Clothes Are Wrong

More examples

Whether a painting is beautiful is a subjective judgment.
Pain is a subjective experience that can be difficult to describe.
Clear scoring guidelines make hiring decisions less subjective.

Forms

subjective · more subjective · most subjective

subjectivity noun — The quality of reflecting personal feelings or perspectives.

subjectively adverb — From an individual's feelings or perspective.

Similar words

personal: Relates to individuals, without necessarily describing their perspectives.
biased: Suggests unfair preference, rather than simply an individual perspective.