subjects

Noun

subject (plural subjects)

1. The noun, pronoun or noun phrase about whom the statement is made. In active clauses with verbs denoting an action, the subject is the actor. In clauses in the passive voice the subject is the target of the action.
   • A subject (Sub) is a word, phrase, or clause that performs the action of or acts upon the verb in the predicate.2021, Heather Marie Kosur, “Chapter 6: Grammatical Functions”, in A Form-Function Description of the Grammar of the Modern English Language: Book 1 (Level 9A), Rock Pickle Publishing, →ISBN, page 101

   Antonyms:

   object, predicate

2. By extension: an actor or agent; one who takes action.
   • the subjects and objects of power
3. The main topic of a paper, work of art, discussion, field of study, etc.
   • this subject for heroic song1667, John Milton, “Book VIII”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC...

   Synonyms:

   matter, topic

4. A particular area of study.
   • Her favorite subject is physics.
5. A citizen in a monarchy.
   • I am a British subject.
6. A person ruled over by another, especially a monarch or state authority.
   • […]the Grand Khan seemed to grasp the "truth" of the religion and might become a convert, thereby gaining for Christianity the souls of all his subjects.2020, Alan Mikhail, God's Shadow, →ISBN, page 93

See all 17 meanings of subject