Subject Matter vs. Content — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 22, 2023
Subject Matter refers to the main topic or focus, while Content includes the details, facts, or information within that topic.
Difference Between Subject Matter and Content
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Subject Matter is the principal theme or core idea being discussed or represented. On the other hand, Content refers to the detailed information, facts, or data surrounding that main theme.
In a book, the Subject Matter might be war, while the Content is the series of events, character development, plot twists, and dialogues that revolve around war.
When considering a painting, the Subject Matter could be a landscape, and the Content might consist of the colors used, the specific trees depicted, or the emotions evoked.
In a class, the Subject Matter may be history, while the Content includes the lessons, dates, events, and narratives that are taught under that broad umbrella of history.
A magazine's Subject Matter might focus on technology, but the Content encompasses the articles, photos, and reviews about various tech gadgets, innovations, and trends.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The central theme or idea
Detailed information within that theme
Scope
Broader
More detailed and specific
Example (Literature)
The overarching theme of love
The narratives, dialogues, and events
Representation
Can be abstract or conceptual
More tangible or concrete details
Usage in Communication
The main topic of a conversation or discussion
The specifics or details discussed
Compare with Definitions
Subject Matter
The primary topic or focus.
The lecture's Subject Matter was climate change.
Content
The information, details, or substances within something.
The book's Content covered multiple eras of history.
Subject Matter
The essence of what's being addressed.
The film's Subject Matter was quite controversial.
Content
The material or substance contained within.
The Content of the bottle is hazardous.
Subject Matter
The main subject being considered.
The Subject Matter of our discussion was ethics.
Content
The detailed components of a larger subject.
The magazine's Content includes articles, photos, and reviews.
Subject Matter
The chief topic or concept presented.
The painting’s Subject Matter revolves around nature.
Content
The substance or matter treated in a speech or artwork.
The song's Content was deep and introspective.
Subject Matter
A central theme or idea.
The Subject Matter of the novel is the human psyche.
Content
All that is contained or dealt with.
The email’s Content was confidential.
Subject Matter
Alternative form of subject matter
Content
Often contents Something contained, as in a receptacle
The contents of my desk drawer.
The contents of an aerosol can.
Subject Matter
The matter or thought presented for consideration in some statement or discussion; that which is made the object of thought or study.
As to the subject-matter, words are always to be understood as having a regard thereto.
As science makes progress in any subject-matter, poetry recedes from it.
Content
The individual items or topics that are dealt with in a publication or document
A table of contents.
Content
The material, including text and images, that constitutes a publication or document.
Content
The substance or significance of a written work, especially as contrasted with its form.
Content
Information, such as text, video, and sound, usually as contrasted with its format of presentation
A television producer looking for content that was more entertaining.
Content
The proportion of a specified substance
Eggs have a high protein content.
Content
Contentment; satisfaction.
Content
Desiring no more than what one has; satisfied.
Content
Ready to accept or acquiesce; willing
She was content to step down after four years as chief executive.
Content
To make content or satisfied
Contented himself with one piece of cake.
Content
Satisfied, pleased, contented.
Content
(obsolete) Contained.
Content
Satisfaction, contentment; pleasure.
They were in a state of sleepy content after supper.
Content
(obsolete) Acquiescence without examination.
Content
That which contents or satisfies; that which if attained would make one happy.
Content
An expression of assent to a bill or motion; an affirmative vote.
Content
A member who votes in assent.
Content
(uncountable) That which is contained.
Content
Subject matter; semantic information (or a portion or body thereof); that which is contained in writing, speech, video, etc.
Although eloquently delivered, the content of the speech was objectionable.
Some online video creators upload new content every day.
Prolific creators manage their voluminous content with any of various content management systems.
Content
The amount of material contained; contents.
Light beer has a lower alcohol content than regular beer.
Content
(obsolete) Capacity for containing.
Content
(mathematics) The n-dimensional space contained by an n-dimensional polytope (called volume in the case of a polyhedron and area in the case of a polygon); length, area or volume, generalized to an arbitrary number of dimensions. Category:en:Higher-dimensional geometry
Content
The greatest common divisor of the coefficients; (of a polynomial with coefficients in an integral domain) the common factor of the coefficients which, when removed, leaves the adjusted coefficients with no common factor that is noninvertible.
Content
(archaic) Alright, agreed.
Content
(transitive) To give contentment or satisfaction; to satisfy; to make happy.
You can't have any more - you'll have to content yourself with what you already have.
Content
To satisfy the expectations of; to pay; to requite.
Content
Contained within limits; hence, having the desires limited by that which one has; not disposed to repine or grumble; satisfied; contented; at rest.
Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.
Content
That which is contained; the thing or things held by a receptacle or included within specified limits; as, the contents of a cask or bale or of a room; the contents of a book.
I shall prove these writings . . . authentic, and the contents true, and worthy of a divine original.
Content
Power of containing; capacity; extent; size.
Strong ship's, of great content.
Content
Area or quantity of space or matter contained within certain limits; as, solid contents; superficial contents.
The geometrical content, figure, and situation of all the lands of a kingdom.
Content
Rest or quietness of the mind in one's present condition; freedom from discontent; satisfaction; contentment; moderate happiness.
Such is the fullness of my heart's content.
Content
Acquiescence without examination.
The sense they humbly take upon content.
Content
That which contents or satisfies; that which if attained would make one happy.
So will I in England work your grace's full content.
Content
An expression of assent to a bill or motion; an affirmative vote; also, a member who votes "Content.".
Supposing the number of "Contents" and "Not contents" strictly equal in number and consequence.
Content
To satisfy the desires of; to make easy in any situation; to appease or quiet; to gratify; to please.
Do not content yourselves with obscure and confused ideas, where clearer are to be attained.
Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them.
Content
To satisfy the expectations of; to pay; to requite.
Come the next Sabbath, and I will content you.
Content
Everything that is included in a collection;
He emptied the contents of his pockets
The two groups were similar in content
Content
What a communication that is about something is about
Content
The proportion of a substance that is contained in a mixture or alloy etc.
Content
The amount that can be contained;
The gas tank has a capacity of 12 gallons
Content
The sum or range of what has been perceived, discovered, or learned
Content
The state of being contented with your situation in life;
He relaxed in sleepy contentedness
They could read to their heart's content
Content
Something (a person or object or scene) selected by an artist or photographer for graphic representation;
A moving picture of a train is more dramatic than a still picture of the same subject
Content
Satisfy in a limited way;
He contented himself with one glass of beer per day
Content
Make content;
I am contented
Content
Satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are;
A contented smile
Common Curiosities
What is Subject Matter?
Subject Matter refers to the primary topic or focus of a work, discussion, or thought.
Can Content exist without a Subject Matter?
No, Content requires a Subject Matter to provide context and meaning.
What does Content refer to in media?
In media, Content refers to the detailed components, such as articles, stories, images, and videos.
Can Content be both tangible and intangible?
Yes, Content can be tangible like text and images or intangible like emotions and ideas.
How is Subject Matter identified in a work of art?
It's identified by the central theme or concept being conveyed or represented.
What is the relation between Subject Matter and Content in literature?
In literature, Subject Matter is the overarching theme, while Content consists of narratives, characters, and events supporting that theme.
Which is broader, Subject Matter or Content?
Subject Matter is broader as it sets the theme, while Content dives into the specifics of that theme.
How does Subject Matter differ from Content?
Subject Matter is the main theme or idea, while Content includes detailed information or components within that theme.
Is the Subject Matter always explicit?
No, Subject Matter can be both explicit or implied.
Can a single piece of work have multiple Subject Matters?
Yes, especially complex works can explore multiple themes or Subject Matters.
Can the same Content fit multiple Subject Matters?
Yes, depending on interpretation, the same Content can be relevant to different Subject Matters.
Can Subject Matter change while the Content remains the same?
It's rare, but interpretation can sometimes shift the perceived Subject Matter without altering the Content.
Is every piece of Content tied to a Subject Matter?
Typically, yes. Content is usually created or presented in the context of some Subject Matter.
In digital marketing, how is Content used?
In digital marketing, Content refers to the material created to engage, inform, or entertain the audience, often revolving around a specific Subject Matter or theme.
Why is distinguishing between Subject Matter and Content important?
It helps in understanding the main theme versus the detailed elements of any piece of work or communication.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
