sub·jec·tive (s?b-j?k?t?v)adj.1. a. Dependent on or taking place in a person’s mind rather than the external world: “The sensation of pain is a highly subjective experience that varies by culture as well as by individual temperament and situation” (John Hoberman).b. Based on a given person’s experience, understanding, and feelings; personal or individual: admitted he was making a highly subjective judgment.2. Psychology Not caused by external stimuli.3. Medicine Of, relating to, or designating a symptom or complaint perceived by a patient.4. Expressing or bringing into prominence the individuality of the artist or author.5. Grammar Relating to or being the nominative case.6. Relating to the real nature of something; essential.sub·jec?tive·ly adv.sub·jec?tive·ness, sub?jec·tiv?i·ty (s?b?j?k-t?v??-t?) n.American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.