Word
subgroup
Phoneticssub·group, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsəbˌɡɹup/
UK/sˈʌbɡɹuːp/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a smaller group of people or things that is part of a larger group. You use this when you want to talk about a specific set within a bigger category.
n. a subordinate group consisting of members from a larger parent group. Often used in statistical or sociological contexts to identify specific sets within a population.
Examples
“The researchers studied a small subgroup of the patients.”
“Within the local gardening club, a subgroup of members focuses specifically on growing rare orchids.”
“The data analysis revealed that a specific subgroup of participants responded much more favorably to the treatment than the general population, suggesting a genetic link to the drug's efficacy.”
Examples
simple
“The researchers studied a small subgroup of the patients.”
contextual
“Within the local gardening club, a subgroup of members focuses specifically on growing rare orchids.”
complex
“The data analysis revealed that a specific subgroup of participants responded much more favorably to the treatment than the general population, suggesting a genetic link to the drug's efficacy.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'of' to identify the parent group.
Real-World Examples
“In truth, this ancient subgroup of Goths could probably have cared less about astronomy as we know it today.” “Within individual subgroups, results are mixed and don’t show uniform, systemwide gains.” Etymology
From sub- + group.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/subgroup