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

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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It’s rare to watch an actor contend with their decisions so forthrightly, to admit to and accept the fact that they’ve let themselves be subsumed by stardom.

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All of which would eventually be subsumed in the all-purpose label “woke” — well, except for “cultural Marxism,” which basically just means Jewish.

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The implication wasn’t subtle: Usha Vance is expected to subsume her South Asian identity to his family’s whiteness, as well as her husband’s blood-and-soil idea of what makes someone an American.

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