subject matter Hear it!

subject matter Definition

subject matter

noun

the thing or things considered in a book, course of instruction, discussion, etc.

subject matter Synonyms

subject matter

n.

essentials, contents, essence; see subject 1, topic.

subject matter Law Definition

n

Whatever is in dispute; the actual cause of the law suit; the issue about which a right or obligation has been asserted or denied.
subject matter Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • book: The subject matter of the books can be chosen by the participating group.
  • text: The subject matter of the text is, obviously, a crucial determinant of the role that spatial inferences play in understanding it.
  • piece: A right to privacy will be the subject matter of another piece of forthcoming legislation within the UK - the Data Protection Bill 1998.

Possessives

  • film: The answer is simple: the film's subject matter, which is essentially summed up in its title.

Converse of object

  • exclude: Taking the claims correctly construed, what does the claimed invention contribute to the art outside excluded subject matter?
  • cover: The first PrepCom started a rolling text covering the subject matter of the Treaty.
  • concern: Miscellaneous 24.1 The Agreement will constitute the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matter of these Conditions.
  • reflect: The presentations, which will be made at the first assessment point, should reflect the subject matter of the lectures and seminar sessions.
  • organize: When writing assignments, you must think carefully about how you organize the subject matter you are writing about.
  • think: I think the subject matter is going to provoke worship for eternity.

Adjective modifier

  • main: The part to be resolved shall contain the declarations derived from the main subject matter of the judgment.
subject-matter Quotes

Books of poetry by young writersareusually promissory notes that are never met. Now and then, however, one comes across a volume that is so far above the average that one can hardly resist the fascinating temptation of recklessly prophesying a fine future for its author. Such a book Mr Yeats's Wanderings of Oisin certainly is. Here we find nobility of treatment and nobility of subject- matter, delicacy of poetic instinct and richness of imaginative resource.

—Wilde, Oscar Fingal O'FlahertieWills