Skip to Content

Subjectiveness vs Subjectivity: Meaning And Differences

Subjectiveness vs Subjectivity: Meaning And Differences

When it comes to discussing subjective experiences or opinions, it’s easy to become confused about the proper terminology to use. Is it subjectiveness or subjectivity? The answer is that both words are acceptable, and they essentially mean the same thing.

Subjectiveness and subjectivity both refer to the quality of being subjective, which means that something is based on personal opinions or feelings rather than on objective facts or evidence. Subjectivity is often contrasted with objectivity, which refers to the quality of being based on facts or evidence that can be observed or measured.

In this article, we’ll explore the concepts of subjectivity and subjectiveness in more detail, examining their implications and exploring how they can influence our understanding of the world around us.

Define Subjectiveness

Subjectiveness refers to the quality of being influenced by personal feelings, opinions, or biases. It is a subjective interpretation of a particular situation, event, or object that is influenced by an individual’s emotions, beliefs, and experiences. Subjectiveness is a highly personal and individualistic approach to understanding the world around us. It is often associated with a lack of objectivity and can lead to differences in interpretation and understanding of the same situation by different individuals.

Define Subjectivity

Subjectivity refers to the state of being subjective, that is, the quality of being based on personal feelings, opinions, or biases. It is a subjective perspective or point of view that is influenced by an individual’s emotions, beliefs, and experiences. Subjectivity is a highly personal and individualistic approach to understanding the world around us. It is often contrasted with objectivity, which is a more factual, impartial, and unbiased approach to understanding the world.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to language, the difference between two words can be subtle yet significant. In the case of subjectiveness vs subjectivity, it’s important to understand their meanings and how to use them correctly to convey your intended meaning.

How To Use Subjectiveness In A Sentence

Subjectiveness refers to the quality of being based on personal feelings, opinions, or interpretations rather than on facts or evidence. Here are some examples of how to use subjectiveness in a sentence:

  • Her opinion on the matter is purely based on subjectiveness.
  • The subjectiveness of his argument made it difficult to convince others.
  • Art is often judged subjectively rather than objectively.

In each of these examples, subjectiveness is used to describe something that is based on personal feelings or opinions rather than on objective facts or evidence.

How To Use Subjectivity In A Sentence

Subjectivity, on the other hand, refers to the quality of being based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions. Here are some examples of how to use subjectivity in a sentence:

  • The subjectivity of the film critic’s reviews made it difficult to determine which movies were worth watching.
  • Her taste in music is highly subjective and not everyone may enjoy the same songs.
  • Subjectivity plays a big role in the interpretation of literature.

In each of these examples, subjectivity is used to describe something that is based on personal feelings, tastes, or opinions rather than on objective facts or evidence.

More Examples Of Subjectiveness & Subjectivity Used In Sentences

When it comes to subjectiveness and subjectivity, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. Here are some examples of how both terms can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Subjectiveness In A Sentence

  • The beauty of art is subjectiveness; what one person finds beautiful, another may not.
  • Her decision to pursue a career in music was based on her own subjectiveness; she believed she had the talent and passion for it.
  • The success of a movie is often determined by the subjectiveness of its audience; some may love it while others hate it.
  • His opinion on the matter was purely based on his own subjectiveness; he didn’t consider any other perspectives.
  • When it comes to fashion, everyone has their own subjectiveness and personal style.
  • The quality of a book is often judged by the subjectiveness of its readers; some may find it boring while others find it captivating.
  • The interpretation of a work of literature can vary based on the subjectiveness of the reader.
  • Her critique of the painting was based on her own subjectiveness and personal taste.
  • The meaning of a dream can be subjectiveness; it can vary based on the individual’s experiences and emotions.
  • Her dislike for the restaurant was purely based on her own subjectiveness; she didn’t like the decor or the menu.

Examples Of Using Subjectivity In A Sentence

  • The subjectivity of the study’s results made it difficult to draw any definitive conclusions.
  • His writing style was characterized by his use of subjectivity and personal experiences.
  • The subjectivity of the news article was apparent in its biased language and opinions.
  • Her research paper was criticized for its lack of objectivity and heavy reliance on subjectivity.
  • The subjectivity of the experiment’s design made it difficult to replicate the results.
  • His argument relied heavily on subjectivity and personal beliefs rather than objective facts.
  • The subjectivity of the review was evident in the author’s personal biases and preferences.
  • Her presentation was criticized for its lack of balance and heavy reliance on subjectivity.
  • The subjectivity of the survey’s questions made it difficult to obtain accurate data.
  • His analysis of the data was criticized for its lack of objectivity and heavy reliance on subjectivity.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When discussing subjective experiences, it’s important to understand the difference between subjectiveness and subjectivity. Unfortunately, many people use these terms interchangeably, leading to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Using “Subjectiveness” As A Noun

One common mistake is using “subjectiveness” as a noun to refer to subjective experiences. However, “subjectiveness” is not a valid English noun. Instead, use “subjectivity” to refer to the quality of being subjective.

Mistake #2: Using “Subjectivity” To Mean “Bias”

Another mistake is using “subjectivity” to mean “bias” or “prejudice.” While subjective experiences can certainly be influenced by personal biases, subjectivity itself simply refers to the fact that something is based on personal opinions or feelings rather than objective facts.

Mistake #3: Treating Subjectivity As An Objective Quality

Finally, it’s important to avoid treating subjectivity as an objective quality. For example, saying that a work of art is “more subjective” than another implies that there is some objective scale of subjectivity, which is not the case. Remember that subjectivity is inherently personal and cannot be measured or compared in an objective way.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

  • Use “subjectivity” instead of “subjectiveness” to refer to the quality of being subjective.
  • Be aware of the connotations of “subjectivity” and avoid using it to mean “bias” or “prejudice.”
  • Remember that subjectivity is inherently personal and cannot be measured or compared in an objective way.

Context Matters

When it comes to writing, the choice between subjectiveness and subjectivity can depend greatly on the context in which they are used. While both terms refer to personal opinions and perspectives, they are not interchangeable and can have different effects on the reader.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between subjectiveness and subjectivity might change:

Context Choice between Subjectiveness and Subjectivity
Academic Writing In academic writing, subjectivity is generally avoided in favor of objectivity. This means that personal opinions and biases are minimized in order to present information in a factual and unbiased manner. However, subjectiveness may be appropriate in certain situations, such as when providing a personal reflection or analysis.
Marketing Copy In marketing copy, subjectiveness is often used to create an emotional connection with the reader. By using personal anecdotes and persuasive language, marketers can appeal to the reader’s emotions and persuade them to take action. However, subjectivity can also be overused and come across as insincere or manipulative.
Creative Writing In creative writing, subjectiveness is often embraced as a way to express the author’s unique voice and perspective. By using personal experiences and emotions, writers can create a more immersive and engaging story. However, subjectivity can also make it difficult for readers to relate to the story if they do not share the same experiences or emotions.

As you can see, the choice between subjectiveness and subjectivity can greatly impact the effectiveness of your writing depending on the context. It is important to consider the purpose and audience of your writing in order to make the best choice.

Exceptions To The Rules

While subjectiveness and subjectivity are generally used in specific contexts, there are some exceptions where the rules might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:

1. Creative Writing

In creative writing, the rules for using subjectiveness and subjectivity can be bent or even broken altogether. Writers can use these concepts to create unique and interesting characters, settings, and plot points.

For example, in a novel about a character with multiple personalities, the author might use subjectivity to show how each personality experiences the world differently. The author could also use subjectiveness to create an unreliable narrator who sees things differently from other characters in the story.

2. Personal Narratives

In personal narratives, subjectiveness and subjectivity are often used to convey the writer’s personal experiences and emotions. While it’s important to be clear and concise in writing personal narratives, it’s also important to use these concepts to convey the writer’s unique perspective.

For example, in a memoir about overcoming addiction, the author might use subjectivity to show how their experiences with addiction affected their relationships, career, and mental health. The author could also use subjectiveness to express their feelings of shame, guilt, and hopelessness during their darkest moments.

3. Philosophical Discussions

In philosophical discussions, subjectiveness and subjectivity are often used to explore complex ideas and concepts. While it’s important to be precise and logical in philosophical writing, it’s also important to use these concepts to convey the nuances and subtleties of the arguments being made.

For example, in a paper about the nature of consciousness, the author might use subjectivity to argue that consciousness is a subjective experience that cannot be fully understood through objective analysis. The author could also use subjectiveness to explore the implications of this argument for our understanding of free will, morality, and the nature of reality itself.

4. Cultural Differences

In some cases, the rules for using subjectiveness and subjectivity might not apply due to cultural differences. Different cultures have different norms and values, which can affect how people perceive and communicate their experiences and emotions.

For example, in a study of cross-cultural communication, researchers might use subjectivity to explore how people from different cultures express their emotions and feelings. The researchers could also use subjectiveness to examine how cultural differences affect the interpretation of nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language.

Overall, while subjectiveness and subjectivity are important concepts in writing and communication, there are some exceptions where the rules might not apply. By understanding these exceptions, writers and communicators can use these concepts more effectively and creatively in their work.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have a better understanding of subjectiveness and subjectivity, it’s time to put that knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these concepts in sentences.

Exercise 1

Identify whether the following sentences are subjective or objective:

Sentence Subjective or Objective?
Chocolate is the best flavor of ice cream. Subjective
The earth revolves around the sun. Objective
The movie was terrible. Subjective
The capital of France is Paris. Objective

Exercise 2

Use the following words to create sentences that demonstrate subjectivity and subjectiveness:

  • Love
  • Hate
  • Beautiful
  • Ugly

Example answers:

  • Subjective: I love pizza.
  • Objective: The pizza has pepperoni and cheese.
  • Subjective: The sunset was beautiful.
  • Objective: The sun set at 7:30pm.
  • Subjective: I hate spiders.
  • Objective: Spiders have eight legs.
  • Subjective: That painting is ugly.
  • Objective: The painting is in a museum.

Remember, subjectivity and subjectiveness are not inherently good or bad. It’s important to recognize and acknowledge when we are expressing our personal opinions and feelings, and when we are stating objective facts.

Conclusion

Subjectiveness and subjectivity are two important concepts in the study of grammar and language use. While subjectivity refers to the personal opinions and feelings of the speaker or writer, subjectiveness refers to the degree of objectivity or bias in a statement or argument.

Throughout this article, we have explored the differences between subjectiveness and subjectivity, and how they can impact the clarity and effectiveness of communication. We have also looked at various examples of subjective and objective language use, and discussed the importance of understanding the context and audience when choosing the appropriate tone and language.

Key takeaways from this article include:

1. Subjectivity Is Not The Same As Subjectiveness

It is important to understand the difference between these two terms, as they can have very different implications for communication. While subjectivity refers to personal opinions and feelings, subjectiveness refers to the degree of objectivity or bias in a statement or argument.

2. Context And Audience Are Important Considerations

When choosing the appropriate tone and language for a given situation, it is important to consider the context and audience. What may be appropriate in one situation may not be appropriate in another, and it is important to be mindful of this when communicating.

3. Objective Language Can Improve Clarity And Effectiveness

Using objective language can help to improve the clarity and effectiveness of communication, as it reduces the potential for misunderstandings and misinterpretations. By focusing on facts and evidence, rather than personal opinions and feelings, we can communicate more effectively with our audience.

In conclusion, understanding the concepts of subjectivity and subjectiveness is essential for effective communication. By being mindful of these concepts and choosing the appropriate tone and language for a given situation, we can improve our communication skills and build stronger relationships with our audience. We encourage readers to continue learning about grammar and language use, and to explore the many resources available on these topics.