Topic vs. Subject: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 6, 2023
A topic is a matter dealt with in a text or conversation, while a subject is the focus, theme, or entity being discussed or studied.
Key Differences
Topic and Subject are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they possess subtle differences in meaning and usage. A topic usually refers to the specific area or theme under discussion or consideration, often forming a subset of a broader subject. It is generally more specific and is the central point around which conversation, writing, or study revolves. On the other hand, a subject is a broader field of knowledge or area of interest that encompasses various topics. It could refer to an individual, object, or theme that forms the basis of discussion, study, or artistic representation.
The distinction between Topic and Subject can be viewed through their respective scopes. While a topic tends to be narrower and more focused, offering detailed insights or information about a particular aspect or segment, a subject usually has a wider reach, involving a comprehensive overview or exploration of a broader field or area. For instance, in an academic setting, mathematics can be the subject, with algebra, geometry, and calculus as possible topics within that subject, each dealing with specific concepts and problems.
In terms of specificity and detail, a Topic is generally more concentrated and delineated, providing a concise and pinpointed perspective on an issue or area. It often addresses specific questions, issues, or themes within the broader framework of a subject. Conversely, a Subject, with its expansive and encompassing nature, allows for multiple interpretations, perspectives, and discussions, providing a holistic and multifaceted view of the concerned field or entity.
The grammatical roles of Topic and Subject also differ. In grammar, the subject is the part of a sentence which performs the action or which the action is performed upon. It is essential for sentence structure and meaning. The topic, however, does not have a specific grammatical role but refers to the content matter around which conversation or writing is developed. It is the focal point that guides the flow and development of discourse.
Ultimately, the contrast between Topic and Subject lies in their depth, breadth, and function within communication, study, and representation. While the topic is about specificity, clarity, and detail within a limited scope, the subject is about breadth, diversity, and comprehensive understanding, serving as the foundation upon which various topics are explored and discussed.
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Comparison Chart
Scope
Narrower and more specific.
Broader and more encompassing.
Detail Level
More detailed and focused.
Provides a general overview or foundation.
Usage
Refers to the content matter under discussion or consideration.
Refers to the broader field of study or theme under exploration.
Grammatical Role
Does not have a specific grammatical role.
It is a grammatical role in a sentence, indicating who performs the action.
Representation
Represents a specific area or aspect within a subject.
Can represent an individual, field of knowledge, or a theme.
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Topic and Subject Definitions
Topic
Topic is the focus or subject of a discourse.
We changed the topic as it was making everyone uncomfortable.
Subject
Subject is a branch of knowledge studied or taught.
Mathematics is her favorite subject.
Topic
Topic is a matter dealt with in a text or conversation.
The main topic of the book is resilience.
Subject
Being in a position or in circumstances that place one under the power or authority of another or others
Subject to the law.
Topic
(Linguistics) A word or phrase in a sentence, usually providing information from previous discourse or shared knowledge, that the rest of the sentence elaborates or comments on. Also called theme.
Subject
Prone; disposed
A child who is subject to colds.
Topic
Topic is a subject of conversation or discussion.
Climate change is a pressing topic.
Subject
Likely to incur or receive; exposed
A directive subject to misinterpretation.
Topic
Topic is a particular branch of study or theme.
He is well-versed in topics concerning environmental conservation.
Subject
Contingent or dependent
A vacation subject to changing weather.
Topic
The subject of a speech, essay, thesis, or discourse.
Subject
One who is under the rule of another or others, especially one who owes allegiance to a government or ruler.
Topic
A subject of discussion or conversation.
Subject
One concerning which something is said or done; a person or thing being discussed or dealt with
A subject of gossip.
Topic
A subdivision of a theme, thesis, or outline.
Subject
Something that is treated or indicated in a work of art.
Topic
Topical
Subject
(Music) A theme of a composition, especially a fugue.
Topic
Subject; theme; a category or general area of interest.
A society where a topic cannot be discussed, does not have free speech.
Stick to the topic
An interesting topic of conversation
Romance is a topic that frequently comes up in conversation
Subject
A course or area of study
Math is her best subject.
Topic
(Internet) Discussion thread.
Subject
A basis for action; a cause.
Topic
(music) A musical sign intended to suggest a particular style or genre.
Subject
One that experiences or is subjected to something
The subject of ridicule.
Topic
(obsolete) An argument or reason.
Subject
A person or animal that is the object of medical or scientific study
The experiment involved 12 subjects.
Topic
An external local application or remedy, such as a plaster, a blister, etc.
Subject
A corpse intended for anatomical study and dissection.
Topic
One of the various general forms of argument employed in probable as distinguished from demonstrative reasoning, - denominated by Aristotle to`poi (literally, places), as being the places or sources from which arguments may be derived, or to which they may be referred; also, a prepared form of argument, applicable to a great variety of cases, with a supply of which the ancient rhetoricians and orators provided themselves; a commonplace of argument or oratory.
These topics, or loci, were no other than general ideas applicable to a great many different subjects, which the orator was directed to consult.
In this question by [reason] I do not mean a distinct topic, but a transcendent that runs through all topics.
Subject
One who is under surveillance
The subject was observed leaving the scene of the murder.
Topic
An argument or reason.
Contumacious persons, who are not to be fixed by any principles, whom no topics can work upon.
Subject
(Grammar) The noun, noun phrase, or pronoun in a sentence or clause that denotes the doer of the action or what is described by the predicate.
Topic
The subject of any distinct portion of a discourse, or argument, or literary composition; also, the general or main subject of the whole; a matter treated of; a subject, as of conversation or of thought; a matter; a point; a head.
Subject
(Logic) The term of a proposition about which something is affirmed or denied.
Topic
An external local application or remedy, as a plaster, a blister, etc.
Subject
The mind or thinking part as distinguished from the object of thought.
Topic
Topical.
Subject
A being that undergoes personal conscious or unconscious experience of itself and of the world.
Topic
The subject matter of a conversation or discussion;
He didn't want to discuss that subject
It was a very sensitive topic
His letters were always on the theme of love
Subject
The essential nature or substance of something as distinguished from its attributes.
Topic
Some situation or event that is thought about;
He kept drifting off the topic
He had been thinking about the subject for several years
It is a matter for the police
Subject
To cause to experience, undergo, or be acted upon
Suspects subjected to interrogation.
Rocks subjected to intense pressure.
Topic
Topic is a category or class of arguments or ideas.
She often speaks on topics related to health and wellness.
Subject
To subjugate; subdue.
Subject
To submit to the authority of
Peoples that subjected themselves to the emperor.
Subject
Likely to be affected by or to experience something.
A country subject to extreme heat
Menu listings and prices are subject to change.
He's subject to sneezing fits.
Subject
Conditional upon something; used with to.
The local board sets local policy, subject to approval from the State Board.
Subject
Placed or situated under; lying below, or in a lower situation.
Subject
Placed under the power of another; owing allegiance to a particular sovereign or state.
Subject
(grammar) In a clause: the word or word group (usually a noun phrase) about whom the statement is made. In active clauses with verbs denoting an action, the subject and the actor are usually the same.
In the sentence ‘The cat ate the mouse’, ‘the cat’ is the subject, ‘the mouse’ being the object.
Subject
An actor; one who takes action.
The subjects and objects of power.
Subject
The main topic of a paper, work of art, discussion, field of study, etc.
Subject
A particular area of study.
Her favorite subject is physics.
Subject
A citizen in a monarchy.
I am a British subject.
Subject
A person ruled over by another, especially a monarch or state authority.
Subject
(music) The main theme or melody, especially in a fugue.
Subject
A human, animal or an inanimate object that is being examined, treated, analysed, etc.
Subject
(philosophy) A being that has subjective experiences, subjective consciousness, or a relationship with another entity.
Subject
(logic) That of which something is stated.
Subject
(math) The variable in terms of which an expression is defined.
0, we have x
Subject
To cause (someone or something) to undergo a particular experience, especially one that is unpleasant or unwanted.
I came here to buy souvenirs, not to be subjected to a tirade of abuse!
Subject
(transitive) To make subordinate or subservient; to subdue or enslave.
Subject
Placed or situated under; lying below, or in a lower situation.
Subject
Placed under the power of another; specifically (International Law), owing allegiance to a particular sovereign or state; as, Jamaica is subject to Great Britain.
Esau was never subject to Jacob.
Subject
Exposed; liable; prone; disposed; as, a country subject to extreme heat; men subject to temptation.
All human things are subject to decay.
Subject
Obedient; submissive.
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities.
Subject
That which is placed under the authority, dominion, control, or influence of something else.
Subject
Specifically: One who is under the authority of a ruler and is governed by his laws; one who owes allegiance to a sovereign or a sovereign state; as, a subject of Queen Victoria; a British subject; a subject of the United States.
Was never subject longed to be a king,As I do long and wish to be a subject.
The subject must obey his prince, because God commands it, human laws require it.
Subject
That which is subjected, or submitted to, any physical operation or process; specifically (Anat.), a dead body used for the purpose of dissection.
Subject
That which is brought under thought or examination; that which is taken up for discussion, or concerning which anything is said or done.
Make choice of a subject, beautiful and noble, which . . . shall afford an ample field of matter wherein to expatiate.
The unhappy subject of these quarrels.
Subject
The person who is treated of; the hero of a piece; the chief character.
Writers of particular lives . . . are apt to be prejudiced in favor of their subject.
Subject
That of which anything is affirmed or predicated; the theme of a proposition or discourse; that which is spoken of; as, the nominative case is the subject of the verb.
The subject of a proposition is that concerning which anything is affirmed or denied.
Subject
That in which any quality, attribute, or relation, whether spiritual or material, inheres, or to which any of these appertain; substance; substratum.
That which manifests its qualities - in other words, that in which the appearing causes inhere, that to which they belong - is called their subject or substance, or substratum.
Subject
The principal theme, or leading thought or phrase, on which a composition or a movement is based.
The earliest known form of subject is the ecclesiastical cantus firmus, or plain song.
Subject
The incident, scene, figure, group, etc., which it is the aim of the artist to represent.
Subject
To bring under control, power, or dominion; to make subject; to subordinate; to subdue.
Firmness of mind that subjects every gratification of sense to the rule of right reason.
In one short view subjected to our eye,Gods, emperors, heroes, sages, beauties, lie.
He is the most subjected, the most nslaved, who is so in his understanding.
Subject
To expose; to make obnoxious or liable; as, credulity subjects a person to impositions.
Subject
To submit; to make accountable.
God is not bound to subject his ways of operation to the scrutiny of our thoughts.
Subject
To make subservient.
Subjected to his service angel wings.
Subject
To cause to undergo; as, to subject a substance to a white heat; to subject a person to a rigid test.
Subject
The subject matter of a conversation or discussion;
He didn't want to discuss that subject
It was a very sensitive topic
His letters were always on the theme of love
Subject
Some situation or event that is thought about;
He kept drifting off the topic
He had been thinking about the subject for several years
It is a matter for the police
Subject
A branch of knowledge;
In what discipline is his doctorate?
Teachers should be well trained in their subject
Anthropology is the study of human beings
Subject
Something (a person or object or scene) selected by an artist or photographer for graphic representation;
A moving picture of a train is more dramatic than a still picture of the same subject
Subject
A person who is subjected to experimental or other observational procedures; someone who is an object of investigation;
The subjects for this investigation were selected randomly
The cases that we studied were drawn from two different communities
Subject
A person who owes allegiance to that nation;
A monarch has a duty to his subjects
Subject
(grammar) one of the two main constituents of a sentence; the grammatical constituent about which something is predicated
Subject
(logic) the first term of a proposition
Subject
Cause to experience or suffer or make liable or vulnerable to;
He subjected me to his awful poetry
The sergeant subjected the new recruits to many drills
People in Chernobyl were subjected to radiation
Subject
Make accountable for;
He did not want to subject himself to the judgments of his superiors
Subject
Make subservient; force to submit or subdue
Subject
Refer for judgment or consideration;
She submitted a proposal to the agency
Subject
Not exempt from tax;
The gift will be subject to taxation
Subject
Possibly accepting or permitting;
A passage capable of misinterpretation
Open to interpretation
An issue open to question
The time is fixed by the director and players and therefore subject to much variation
Subject
Being under the power or sovereignty of another or others;
Subject peoples
A dependent prince
Subject
Subject is a person or thing being discussed or described.
The subject of the documentary is a renowned scientist.
Subject
Subject is a theme of a discourse or artistic composition.
Love is a common subject in his poems.
Subject
Subject is the part of a sentence about which something is said.
In the sentence The cat sleeps, the cat is the subject.
Subject
Subject is an area of knowledge that has multiple topics within.
Philosophy is a subject that explores various topics related to human existence.
FAQs
Does every Subject have Topics?
Generally, most subjects can be broken down into more specific topics, but not always.
Can a Subject encompass multiple Topics?
Yes, a subject is broader and can encompass multiple related topics.
Is the Subject always the main focus of a sentence in grammar?
In grammar, the subject is typically the doer of the action and is a main focus of the sentence.
Is a Topic always part of a Subject?
Typically, a topic is a more specific aspect or component of a broader subject.
Can one Topic belong to multiple Subjects?
Yes, some topics may intersect with multiple subjects, depending on the context and perspective.
Can the terms Subject and Topic be used interchangeably?
Sometimes they are used interchangeably, but they have different meanings, with subject being broader and topic being more focused.
Can a Topic be broad and general?
Typically, topics are more specific, but they can be broad within the context of a specific discussion or study.
Can a Subject be very specific and narrow?
While subjects are usually broad, they can be specific and narrow, especially in specialized fields of study.
Can a Topic have subtopics?
Yes, a topic can be further divided into more specific subtopics.
Is every discussion or study based on a Subject?
Most discussions or studies have a subject as a central focus, but it may not always be explicitly stated.
Can multiple Subjects be covered in a single study or discussion?
Yes, interdisciplinary studies or discussions often encompass multiple subjects.
Can a Topic exist independently without any Subject?
A topic typically falls under a broader subject but can be considered independently in discussions or writings.
Is Subject a grammatical term only?
No, subject is a versatile term; it is used in grammar but also represents areas of knowledge, themes, or entities being discussed or studied.
Can a Topic be explored in depth?
Yes, a topic, despite being specific, can be explored in depth, depending on the level of detail required.
Is it possible to have a discourse without a clear Subject?
While having a clear subject is helpful, it is possible to have discourses with implicit or multiple subjects.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
