1. Person or Thing Being Studied:
* In academic contexts: This is the most common definition. The subject is the topic or area of study being investigated. For example, in a history class, the subject might be the American Revolution, while in a biology class, the subject might be the human body.
2. Person Under Authority:
* In political contexts: A subject is a person who is under the rule of a sovereign, such as a king or queen. This usage is less common in modern times, as most countries are now republics.
3. Person Being Depicted:
* In art and photography: The subject is the person or thing that is being depicted in the artwork. For example, in a portrait, the subject is the person being painted or photographed.
4. Person Being Discussed:
* In general conversation: The subject can be the topic of discussion, often referred to as the "subject at hand".
5. Person Being Operated On:
* In medical contexts: The subject is the person who is receiving medical treatment. For example, in a surgical procedure, the subject is the person being operated on.
To determine the correct definition of "subject," you need to consider the context in which it is being used.
Please provide more context about the situation where you encountered the term "subject" so I can give you a more specific and accurate definition.