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subject matter

subject matter

72 3.8
The main topic a talk, book, or picture is about
  • noun
  • /ˈsʌbdʒɪkt ˈmætər/
translation icon : tema
  • The documentary explored the subject matter of climate change and its impact on future generations.
  • subject matter knowledge
  • teach the subject matter
  • subject matter of the course

It really depends on the subject matter that you're working with.

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Examples

  • I took this case because the subject matter interests me.

  • Objectives need to be selected carefully so that relevant subject matter and skills are taught and learned.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Why does this book and this subject matter matter to society?

  • But... you get into the subject matter on that record, and it's still dark.

  • I had an editor that did not trust the subject matter at all.

  • You have a very wide spectrum of subject matter that you explore.

  • What are these problems that constitute the subject matter of the study of politics?

  • It's such a fascinating subject matter.

  • The teacher characteristics identified include teacher certification, subject matter knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and teaching experience.

    Academic text (2011)
  • In the library, the books were shelved in order by subject matter or alphabetically by author.

    Fiction book (1993)

Synonyms

matter
vssubject matter
2.0

A topic people discuss or deal with

points to the specific content addressed in a work rather than the general situation
subject
vssubject matter
2.7

A topic that people discuss or think about

focuses on the specific topic addressed in a work rather than general consideration
topic
vssubject matter
1.0

A subject that people discuss, write about, or study

emphasizes the actual theme addressed within a particular work or discussion
content
vssubject matter
3.3

The information inside something like a book or website

refers to the topic or material addressed, not only items included inside
theme
vssubject matter
677 2.8

Main idea in a piece of writing, art, or talk

refers more broadly to the topic or content addressed beyond artistic message
substance
vssubject matter
188 4.3

The main idea of something said or written

focuses on the topic or content addressed rather than just its main importance
thematics
vssubject matter
1 7.0

The main ideas in a book, film, or talk

points to a single addressed topic or content rather than a collection of themes

How Specific

detail
1.0
subject matter
72 3.8
topic
1.0
theme
677 2.8

Surface Forms

Morphology

subject + matter

The meaning 'the topic or content addressed' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'subject' (a topic) with 'matter' (an item under discussion). This noun–noun composition is compositional and common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Subject matter comes from a simple image: subject (what is being studied) plus matter (the thing or 'stuff') that is looked at. So it literally means the 'thing being talked about', which is why we use it to mean 'topic' or 'content'.