subsume

[suhb-soom]

verb (used with object)

subsumed, subsuming 

1. to consider or include (an idea, term, proposition, etc.) as part of a more comprehensive one.

2. to bring (a case, instance, etc.) under a rule.

3. to take up into a more inclusive classification.

subsume

/ səbˈsjuːm /

verb

1. to incorporate (an idea, proposition, case, etc) under a comprehensive or inclusive classification or heading

2. to consider (an instance of something) as part of a general rule or principle

Other Word Forms

• subsumable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subsume¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Medieval Latin subsūmere, equivalent to Latin sub- “under, below, beneath”; + sūmere “to take”; sub-, consume

Word History and Origins

Origin of subsume¹

C16: from New Latin subsumere, from Latin _sub- + sumere to take

Example Sentences

The idea wasn’t to subsume or co-opt the radicals, but to delegitimize them.

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It's a vital question at a time when artificial intelligence threatens to subsume Hollywood.

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A woman in her position could very easily allow herself to be subsumed by the mechanism that protects celebrity.

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Matsumoto emphasizes the institutional aspect of our times by showing how the identities of individuals have become subsumed by their jobs.

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As directed by Mr. Villazón, the chorus, which plays a major role in the opera, is not benign: Its goal is to subsume Amina and suppress rebellion.

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