subjectivity
Americannoun
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the state or quality of being subjective; subjectiveness.
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a subjective thought or idea.
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intentness on internal thoughts.
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internal reality.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of subjectivity
First recorded in 1805–15; subjective + -ity; probably modeled on German Subjectivität
Explanation
Subjectivity refers to how someone’s judgment is shaped by personal opinions and feelings instead of outside influences. Subjectivity is partially responsible for why one person loves an abstract painting while another person hates it. Since a subject is a person, subjectivity refers to how a person's own uniqueness influences their perceptions. For example, if you have six sisters, that might influence how you view women or families — it's part of your subjectivity. Subjectivity is a form of bias and also individuality. Subjectivity is the opposite of objectivity, which is based purely on the facts and isn't personal. We expect judges to put aside their subjectivity and make decisions based on objectivity.
Vocabulary lists containing subjectivity
Media Literacy - High School
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Reading: Informational - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Subjectivity, including that of the dead, is always relational.
From Slate • Apr. 30, 2022
Subjectivity is hard to isolate, by definition, and examples of new metaphysical sensations are not exactly a regular occurrence.
From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2019
This is the fifth excerpt from a work-in-progress tentatively titled Science & Subjectivity.
From Scientific American • Mar. 17, 2019
Subjectivity has been an important force for nonfiction filmmakers, as they shape their work in ways that let you know which side of a complicated story they’re on.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2017
Subjectivity enters largely in this combination, for De Pachmann is "modern," neurotic.
From Franz Liszt by Huneker, James
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
