subject matter

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.

subject matter

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of subject matter¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

This 1979 Woody Allen film is now one of the director’s most controversial due to its subject matter.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When news outlets treat trans lives as controversial subject matter rather than communities under attack, they contribute to the very climate that makes violence and discrimination more likely.

Read more on Salon

The subject matter is worthy of serious dramatic interrogation, and there’s a good movie in here someplace.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The book’s complex subject matter benefits from historical detours and more contemporary material, including an account of how the participants in the popular TV show “The Biggest Loser” have fared through the years.

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It’s a serious film with ambitious scope, reflecting on subject matter that could easily be dismissed as woeful.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• subject 
• text 
• topic