subjective

The word subjective describes something based on personal feelings, tastes, opinions, or experiences rather than facts or clear evidence. It is used when a judgment depends on the person making it.

Think of judging a beauty contest—what one person finds attractive is entirely subjective. Or consider describing a piece of music; words like "haunting" or "uplifting" are subjective because they reflect your emotional response, not inherent qualities of the sound itself.

The opposite of subjective is objective, which means based on facts and observable reality. An objective statement might be "The room is 20 degrees Celsius," while a subjective one would be "The room feels comfortable."

You'll often encounter "subjective" when discussing art, morality, or personal preferences. A historian striving for objectivity will try to avoid subjective interpretations of events. Psychologists study subjective experiences like dreams and emotions. Lawyers argue over subjective intent—what the accused meant to do.

So, if something relies on individual perspective and interpretation rather than concrete proof, it's likely subjective. It's a reminder that everyone sees the world through their own unique lens.