subject matter

American  

noun

1. the substance of a discussion, book, writing, etc., as distinguished from its form or style.

2. the matter that is subject to some action.

3. the matter out of which a thing is formed.

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subject matter British  

noun

1. the substance or main theme of a book, discussion, debate, etc

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Etymology

Origin of subject matter

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Given the frequently heady subject matter, it can’t be emphasized enough how unfailingly pretty the record is.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The most interesting subject matter I’m ever going to find is people,” he writes.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s a chance, she says, to amplify the play’s wackiness, which she believes helps puts audiences at ease and makes its difficult subject matter easier to digest.

From Los Angeles Times

With such a heavy subject matter, Clunes says he deals with it by being a "little facetious", despite taking his work seriously.

From BBC

Comedy is also front and centre of the film, despite its serious subject matter.

From BBC

Related Words

• subject
• text
• topic