CultureAugust 18, 2026
subsume
sub-SOOM
Definition
To incorporate or absorb something into a larger or more comprehensive group or entity.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'subsumere', which is a combination of 'sub' (under) and 'sumere' (to take). It historically suggests taking something up into a higher category or encompassing it within a larger whole.
In the news
The article describes humans 'subsuming' their cultural works into generative AI models, arguing that this process effectively causes those original, unique human creations to be lost or absorbed into a generalized algorithmic output.
Feeding our books into generative AI risks creating a cultural void
Read the full article ↗New Scientist