Something is subjective when it is felt by the individual. Another person cannot perceive whatever sensation it is. All symptoms are subjective. One person cannot directly experience another individual’s discomfort. There is no means by which we can prove or disprove that somebody is indeed experiencing the symptoms that she or he describes. See also objectiveSomething is objective when it can be seen to be present by more than one person. The term usually refers to something that can be seen, or assessed as being present by a medical professional, as well as being experienced by the patient. The patient’s experience is referred to as being subjective. A patient may complain of the subjective symptom of pain in one knee. A doctor may notice swelling of the knee, which is an objective, physical sign..