subject matter

noun

1. the substance of a discussion, book, writing, etc., as distinguished from its form or style.
2. the matter that is subject to some action.
3. the matter out of which a thing is formed.

subject matter

noun

1. the substance or main theme of a book, discussion, debate, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of subject matter¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

"The Indian and FBDGs being directly from government recommendations, the Mediterranean being widely discussed for its health benefits, and the EAT-Lancet diet being developed by subject matter experts."

From Science Daily

Another priority, according to Vought, was to “defund” certain independent federal agencies and demonize career civil servants, which include scientists and subject matter experts.

From Salon

It is hardly the kind of subject matter that is going to generate an atmosphere of loyalty and Rashford’s form has dipped.

From BBC

The state, Walker wrote, commits “the greatest First Amendment sin — viewpoint discrimination — when it targets not just a subject matter, but ‘particular views taken by speakers’ on that subject matter.”

From Los Angeles Times

Despite its heavy subject matter, We Live In Time has been praised as "life-affirming", although other critics have described it as "positively twee".

From BBC

Related Words

• subject
• text
• topic