objectivity
ob-jek-TIV-ih-tee
/ˌɒbdʒɛkˈtɪvɪti/
The quality of being influenced by facts rather than by personal feelings or opinions.
Objectivity focuses on the external 'object' or fact, rather than the internal 'subject' or feeling.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'ob' (against) and 'jacere' (to throw). An 'object' is literally something 'thrown in front of' you. Objectivity is looking at what is right there in front of you without adding your own internal spin.
Word relationships
- detachment: Detachment implies an emotional distance, whereas objectivity implies a factual focus.
- subjectivity: Subjectivity is based on personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.
Commonly confused with
- impartiality: Objectivity is about the truth of the matter; impartiality is about the fairness to the parties.
Word family
- objective (adjective): Not influenced by personal feelings.
Collocations
- scientific objectivity
- lack of objectivity
- strive for objectivity
Example sentences
- "Scientific objectivity is not the absence of passion, but the passion for the truth." Scientific Method
- "A reporter must maintain objectivity even when covering stories that are personally distressing." Journalism
Memory hook
The 'Object' is the fact. Focus on the object, not the 'subject' (yourself). Just the objects, please.
When not to use
Avoid using it when referring to moral fairness; use 'impartiality' for people and 'objectivity' for data or observations.
Fun facts
- In the 18th century, 'objective' actually meant the opposite of what it does now in some philosophical contexts, referring to things as they exist in the mind.
Related words
Explore more words
objective, unbiased, impartial, subjectivity, observation, neutral
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.