objective
uhb-JEK-tiv
/əbˈdʒɛktɪv/
Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts; based on facts.
Objective implies a detached, factual, and unbiased approach, aiming for a universal truth independent of individual perception.
The story behind the word. The word 'objective' comes from the Latin 'objectivus,' formed from 'ob-' meaning 'against' and 'jacere' meaning 'to throw.' In medieval philosophy, an 'object' was something 'thrown before' the mind, existing independently of thought. By the 18th century, 'objective' evolved to describe something existing externally, independent of the observer's mind, leading to its modern sense of being factual and unbiased, not influenced by personal feelings.
Word relationships
- unbiased: Free from bias; impartial.
- impartial: Treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just.
- factual: Concerned with what is actually the case rather than interpretations or beliefs.
- subjective: Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.
- biased: Having or showing an unfair tendency to believe that some people, ideas, etc., are better than others.
- partial: Favoring one side in a dispute; biased.
Commonly confused with
- subjective: Objective is based on facts and not personal feelings, while subjective is based on personal feelings and opinions.
Word family
- objectivity (noun): The quality of being objective.
- objectively (adverb): In an objective manner.
Collocations
- objective reporting
- objective analysis
- objective truth
- objective assessment
- remain objective
Example sentences
- "Journalists strive to present objective news reports, separating facts from their personal opinions." Discussing journalistic standards.
- "The scientist maintained an objective stance, ensuring that her expectations did not influence the experimental results." In a scientific experiment.
Memory hook
An 'OBJEct' is a thing outside you, so 'OBJEctive' means outside your personal feelings. Outside feelings
When not to use
Don't use 'objective' when expressing personal feelings or opinions; 'subjective' would be more appropriate.
Fun facts
- In grammar, the 'objective case' refers to pronouns or nouns that function as the object of a verb or preposition.
- The philosophical concept of 'objectivity' is a cornerstone of scientific inquiry, emphasizing empirical evidence and verifiable facts.
Related words
Explore more words
objectivity, unbiased, effective, impartial, outcome, observation
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