Main Entry: sub·jec·tive

Pronunciation: \(ˌ)səb-ˈjek-tiv\

Function: adjective

1 a : relating to or determined by the mind as the subject of experience <subjective reality> b : characteristic of or belonging to reality as perceived rather than as independent of mind c : relating to or being experience or knowledge as conditioned by personal mental characteristics or states
2 a : arising from conditions within the brain or sense organs and not directly caused by external stimuli <subjective sensations> b : arising out of or identified by means of one's perception of one's own states and processes and not observable by an examiner <a subjective symptom of disease> <caused objective or subjective clinical improvement or both—Journal of the American Medical Association>—compare objective 2

—sub·jec·tive·ly adverb