Subjectivity refers to the quality of being based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions. It contrasts with objectivity, which is the concept of perceiving things as they truly are, without being affected by personal biases. In essence, subjectivity indicates that different people can interpret the same situation or information in varied ways due to their own perspectives and experiences.
The word "subjectivity" comes from the Late Latin word "subjectivus," meaning "pertaining to the subject," which is derived from "subjectus," the past participle of "subicere," meaning "to place under." It began to be used in English in the early 19th century, relating primarily to philosophical discussions about perception and consciousness.