What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subdiscipline
Example
Neuroscience is a subdiscipline of biology that studies the nervous system. [subdiscipline: noun]
Example
The subdiscipline of sociolinguistics examines the relationship between language and society. [subdiscipline: noun]
subfield
Example
Cognitive psychology is a subfield of psychology that focuses on mental processes such as perception, attention, and memory. [subfield: noun]
Example
The subfield of environmental science studies the interactions between humans and the natural environment. [subfield: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Subfield is more commonly used in the humanities, while subdiscipline is more commonly used in the natural sciences and social sciences.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between subdiscipline and subfield?
While subdiscipline may be considered more formal than subfield, both words can be used in a variety of formality levels depending on the context.
