subsume

[ suhb-soom ]

verb (used with object)

, sub·sumed, sub·sum·ing.

1. to consider or include (an idea, term, proposition, etc.) as part of a more comprehensive one.
2. to bring (a case, instance, etc.) under a rule.
3. to take up into a more inclusive classification.

subsume

/ səbˈsjuːm /

verb

1. to incorporate (an idea, proposition, case, etc) under a comprehensive or inclusive classification or heading
2. to consider (an instance of something) as part of a general rule or principle

Derived Forms

• subˈsumable, adjective

Other Words From

• sub·sum·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subsume¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Medieval Latin subsūmere, equivalent to Latin sub- “under, below, beneath”; + sūmere “to take”; sub-, consume

Word History and Origins

Origin of subsume¹

C16: from New Latin subsumere, from Latin sub- + sumere to take

Example Sentences

Herring said he and his wife have a small claim in the Eagle Mountains, which would be partially subsumed by Joshua Tree National Park under the Chuckwalla proposal.

From Los Angeles Times

Eventually, this observation takes on remarkable proportions as their lives subsume his own after he begins handling their public relations concerns.

From Salon

To sustain this unity, one must subsume one’s own needs for the greater good.

From Los Angeles Times

Or will our imagination have been subsumed by the robots?

From Salon

By then, the controversies that always lapped at Alatorre had subsumed his career.

From Los Angeles Times