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subject · noun C /ˈsʌb.dʒɪkt/Full view
subject (STUDY)
A1 an area of knowledge which is studied in school, college or university
Dictionary example:

My favourite subjects at school were history and geography.

Learner example:

At college, I like studying English because it's [a] very interesting subject but I don't like studying Art. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Korean)

subject (GRAMMAR)
B1 the person or thing which performs the action described by the verb
Dictionary example:

'Bob' is the subject of the sentence 'Bob threw the ball'.

subject (THING TALKED ABOUT)
B1 what someone is writing or talking about
Dictionary examples:

Our subject for discussion is homelessness.

She has made a series of documentaries on the subject of family relationships.

Learner example:

She likes swimming and practising yoga. In fact, this was the subject of our first lesson. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Romanian)

change the subject
B2 to start talking about a different subject
Dictionary example:

I'd tried to explain the situation, but he just changed the subject.

Learner example:

Well, changing the subject, I accidentally broke your beautiful vase. I'm really sorry, I'll try to find [another] vase that looks similar. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

drop it/the subject
C2 to stop talking about something, especially because it is annoying or upsetting someone
Dictionary example:

I don't want to talk about it any more - let's drop the subject.

subject · adjective /ˈsʌb.dʒɪkt/
subject to sth
C1 often affected by something, especially something unpleasant
Dictionary example:

Departure times are subject to alteration.

Learner example:

With regard to programme [items] subject to weather conditions - such as the boat trip on River Thames - please make sure that an alternative programme is foreseen in case of cancellation. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

subject to sth
C2 only able to happen if something else happens
Dictionary example:

The pay rise is subject to approval by management.

subject
C2 a person who is written about in a book or who is shown in a picture
Dictionary example:

Rembrandt is the subject of her latest novel.

Learner example:

No matter wherever we go, enjoy[ing] the beauty of [the] city, walking through the J[ew]ish district, discuss[ing] the subject of [a] painting or just sit[ting] in silence, [the] world is real only with him. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

subject · verb /səbˈdʒekt/
subject sb/sth to sth
C2 to make someone or something experience something unpleasant
Dictionary example:

In prison, he was subjected to beatings and interrogations.

Learner example:

Homeless [people] are subjected to a very harsh and unhealt[h]y st[y]le of life. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Italian)

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