The subject matter of something such as a book, lecture, film, or painting is the thing that is being written about, discussed, or shown.
Artists were given greater freedom in their choice of subject matter.
Her subject matter is herself.
subject matter in British English
noun
the substance or main theme of a book, discussion, debate, etc
subject matter in American English
the thing or things considered in a book, course of instruction, discussion, etc.
Examples of 'subject matter' in a sentence
subject matter
Does that mean the gruesome subject matter is something she ends up taking home with her?
The Sun (2013)
In many ways the film mocks its subject matter.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
So their names and superb acting have probably overcome understandable ignorance about the subject matter.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The subject matter of this book could not be more important.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The two poets resemble each other most in their choice of subject matter.
Paula Byrne PERDITA: The Life of Mary Robinson (2004)
His own scientific endeavours have clearly influenced some of his choices of subject matter.
The Times Literary Supplement (2010)
This is utterly disingenuous given the subject matter of the episode.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The subject matter also stoked considerable controversy.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It is shocking in both its subject matter and its brilliance.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It becomes all about the subject matter and not at all about the huge creative advance her work represents.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
His subject matter knows no boundaries.
The Sun (2008)
In fact, practical discourse depends on contingent subject matter for its very existence.
de Haan, Willem The Politics of Redress - crime, punishment and penal abolition (1989)
At least we can work on subject matter we're interested in.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
I was probably smothering them with love because of the nature of the subject matter.
The Sun (2012)
The point is not about science, the point is about subject matter and whether the artist is the right person to face it.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Because he didn't have to think about the subject matter - it was just about painting.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Despite its subject matter, the book is warm and engaging, and shot through with humour.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
One feels that such subject matter, important though it is, can have no meaningful place in this book.
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
His choice of dancers as a recurring subject matter was bold in itself, but they possessed two vital qualities for Degas.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
I get the feeling that my subject matter is about as popular as salmonella at a Fourth of July picnic.
Laszlo, John (MD) Understanding Cancer (1987)
He constantly measured himself against his predecessors as his choice of classical subject matter - nudes and character portraits and still life compositions - makes plain.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The text covers an array of topics, without being particularly comprehensive - it is an admittedly difficult task given the nature of the subject matter.
The Times Literary Supplement (2014)
When you let go of yourself, you abandon any preconceptions about the subject matter which might cramp you into photographing in a certain, predetermined way.
Christianity Today (2000)
In other languages
subject matter
British English: subject matter NOUN
The subject matter of something such as a book, lecture, film, or painting is the thing that is being written about, discussed, or shown.
Then, attitudes changed and artists were given greater freedom in their choice of subject matter.