Subjective: Definition and Part of Speech
Subjective is an adjective used to describe a perspective or judgment based on personal opinions, feelings, or biases rather than external facts or evidence. This term often contrasts with “objective,” which relies on impartiality and factual accuracy.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal | Refers to individual perspectives or biases. | “Her view on the issue was purely personal.” | Informal/Casual, Academic |
| Opinionated | Highlights a tendency toward strong personal views. | “He is quite opinionated about politics.” | Informal/Formal |
| Biased | Implies favoritism or prejudice influencing judgment. | “The survey results were skewed due to biased questions.” | Formal/Business |
| Partisan | Used for opinions heavily influenced by party allegiance or loyalty. | “His analysis was very partisan, reflecting his political alignment.” | Academic/Formal |
| Subjective | Often used in a context emphasizing the internal viewpoint over external reality. | “Art is subjective; what appeals to one person may not appeal to another.” | Creative/Literary |
Usage Notes
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Personal: Best suited for everyday conversations or informal writing where individual preferences are emphasized. It subtly conveys that an opinion comes from within.
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Opinionated: Effective in both casual and formal settings, often used when characterizing someone who has strong, frequently expressed personal views.
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Biased: A term widely applicable in business reports, academic papers, and discussions about fairness or impartiality. It implies a deviation from neutrality.
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Partisan: Commonly found in political discourse or analyses within academic contexts, this word underscores allegiance to specific groups or ideologies influencing one’s perspective.
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Subjective (reiterated): Suitable for artistic or literary discussions where the focus is on individual interpretation and personal emotional responses.
Common Pitfalls
When using synonyms of “subjective,” it’s important not to confuse them with each other based solely on context:
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Personal vs. Opinionated: While both reflect individual viewpoints, “opinionated” carries a connotation of being stubborn or unyielding in one’s views.
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Biased vs. Partisan: Both imply an unfair slant; however, “partisan” specifically involves allegiance to a political party or faction, whereas “biased” can occur without such a formal connection.
Final Recap
In expanding your vocabulary around the adjective “subjective,” you have encountered synonyms like “personal,” “opinionated,” “biased,” “partisan,” and re-encountered “subjective.” Each carries unique connotations that subtly alter meaning based on context, from casual to formal or specialized environments.
To solidify understanding, try incorporating these words in sentences reflecting various settings—whether drafting a business memo (biased), analyzing a political event (partisan), or discussing art preferences (subjective). Engaging with the nuances of these terms enhances both comprehension and expression.