subject-matter
Definition
- Noun:
- Topic or theme: "subject-matter" refers to the specific topic, theme, or content that is discussed, studied, or represented in a book, speech, work of art, or other form of communication.
- Material dealt with: It denotes the substance or essential material that forms the basis of a discussion, investigation, or creative work.
Usage Examples
- (The central topic of the novel is the fight for liberty.)
- (The content of the lecture was too difficult to understand.)
- (The painter selected a disputed theme for her artwork.)
Advanced Usage
"to be beyond the subject-matter": to go outside the scope of the topic.
- The student's question was beyond the subject-matter of the lesson. (The question was not related to the topic being taught.)
"to address the subject-matter": to discuss or deal with the topic directly.
- The report addresses the subject-matter thoroughly. (The report covers the topic in detail.)
Variants and Related Words
Subject (n): the main topic or person being discussed or studied.
- The subject of the meeting was the budget. (The main topic was the budget.)
Matter (n): physical substance or a topic of concern.
- This is a matter of great importance. (This is a topic of significant concern.)
Subject-matter expert (n): a person with deep knowledge of a specific topic.
- We consulted a subject-matter expert for the technical details. (We asked an expert for specialized knowledge.)
Synonyms
- Content: the material or information contained within something.
- Theme: the central idea or message of a work.
- Topic: a subject of discussion or writing.
- Substance: the essential part or meaning of something.
Related Idioms
Stick to the subject-matter: to remain focused on the main topic.
- Please stick to the subject-matter during the debate. (Please stay on the main topic.)
Get to the subject-matter: to begin discussing the main topic.
- Let's get to the subject-matter of the presentation. (Let's start talking about the main topic.)