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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

subject matter

"In developing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, we approached the subject matter with care and respect," a spokesperson said.

From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2026

It wasn’t the outcome, either: “Small Prophets” is about some of the most challenging subject matter — grief and loss — while remaining genuinely funny and rather extraordinary.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026

Horan said that because of its arcane subject matter “the book will never make the bestseller list,” but it had already sold more than 300 copies.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 26, 2026

But though “Primetime” fails to be a deservedly introspective analysis of its subject matter, it does tee up fair questions about its own existence.

From Salon ● Sep. 26, 2026

They require fundamentally different talents and attitudes toward material as well as subject matter.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson

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Related Words

• subject
• text
• topic

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