What is subject? Pronunciation and usage in English

subject means . Learn how to pronounce and use subject through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of subject

subjectnoun

/ˈsʌbdʒɪkt//ˈsʌbdʒɛkt/
Definition & pronunciation of subject

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "subject" in English. It's a tricky one for learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

The word "subject" is actually two syllables:

  • Sub (like the beginning of "subway")
  • ject (this is where most of the difficulty lies)

2. Pronunciation Guide:

  • "Sub": Pronounce this as you would the word "subway." It's a short, quick "uh" sound.

  • "ject": This is the trickiest part. Here's how to break it down:

    • "j": This doesn’t make the typical "j" sound like in "jump." It's pronounced like a soft "s" sound - almost like you're trying to say "s" but with slightly more breath. Think of it as a quick "z" sound.
    • "ect": This sounds like "ek." It’s pronounced with a clear “e” sound.

3. Putting it Together:

So, combining the syllables, you get: "Sub-jekt" (with a slight pause between the syllables). It's often pronounced something like: "Sub-jekt “ (almost like saying "sub-jekt").

4. Listen to Examples:

  • Google Translate: Go to Google Translate and type in “subject.” Listen to the pronunciation (usually the British English version).
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/subject/ – This website provides audio pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for “how to pronounce subject” on YouTube. There are many videos demonstrating the correct pronunciation.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "t": The "t" at the end is soft and almost blends into the following vowel sound.
  • Keep it quick: The word "subject" is spoken rather quickly.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you a further breakdown of any particular sound?

Usage and examples with the word subject in English

Let's break down how to use the word "subject" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (The most common usage):

  • Topic/Theme: This is the most frequent meaning. It refers to what something is about.

    • Example: "The subject of the lecture was the French Revolution." (What the lecture was about)
    • Example: "Let's discuss the subject of climate change." (The topic of discussion)
    • Example: "History is my favorite subject in school." (The area of study)

  • Person undergoing examination/discipline: This relates to someone being tested or punished.

    • Example: “The subject was found guilty of theft.” (The person accused)
    • Example: “He was a difficult subject for the psychologist.” (The patient being examined)

  • Specific area of study: (More formal) Similar to the first use, but often used with academic contexts.

    • Example: “Mathematics is a complex subject.”

2. As a Verb:

  • To deal with/consider: To focus on or address something.

    • Example: "We need to subject our proposal to a thorough review." (To examine carefully)
    • Example: "The data will be subject to analysis." (To be analyzed)
    • Example: "She was subjected to intense scrutiny." (To be subjected to examination or attention)

  • To force someone to accept a viewpoint/rule: (Often used with "someone" or "something")

    • Example: "The prisoners were subjected to a harsh regime." (Forced to follow a strict rule)
    • Example: "The news report subjected us to a barrage of negative information." (Made us experience)

3. Less Common Usages:

  • Subjective: (Adjective - relating to personal feelings or opinions) – This is derived from "subject."

    • Example: “Taste is entirely subjective.” (Based on personal opinion)

  • Subjective to: Meaning vulnerable to or influenced by.

    • Example: “Your opinion is subjective to your experiences.”

Here's a table summarizing the key uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun Topic/Theme “The subject of the book is love.”
Noun Person being examined “The subject was questioned by the police.”
Noun Area of study “Physics is a challenging subject.”
Verb To deal with/consider “Let’s subject our ideas to debate.”
Verb To force acceptance “He was subjected to criticism.”
Adjective Subjective (personal) “Beauty is subjective.”

Tips for Using "Subject" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "subject" depends heavily on the surrounding words.
  • Consider the tense: Verbs need to be in the correct tense to match the action being described.
  • Don't confuse with "subjective": "Subjective" is an adjective, meaning based on personal feelings, while "subject" is typically a noun or verb.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What context are you encountering the word "subject" in? (e.g., a textbook, a conversation, a piece of writing?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you’re unsure how to use "subject"?

Synonyms for the word subject

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