Objective

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /É’bˈdÊ’É›k.tɪv/, /É™bˈdÊ’É›k.tɪv/
• US IPA: /É™bˈdÊ’É›k.tɪv/

Full definition of objective

Adjective

1. Of or relating to a material object, actual existence or reality.
2. Not influenced by the emotions or prejudices.
3. Based on observed facts.
• 1975, S:Constitution of Greece, Engagement of employees in the Public Administration and in the wider Public Sector, ... , shall take place either by competitive entry examination or by selection on the basis of predefined and objective criteria, and shall be subject to the control of an independent authority, as specified by law.
4. (grammar) Of, or relating to a noun or pronoun used as the object of a verb.
• 1921, H. L. Mencken, S:The American Language/Chapter 41, Let us now glance at the demonstrative and relative pronouns. Of the former there are but two in English, this and that, with their plural forms, these and those. To them, American adds a third, them, which is also the personal pronoun of the third person, objective case.

Usage notes

Said of account, judgment, criteria, person, existence, or observation.

Antonyms

• subjective

Derived terms

• nonobjective
• objective correlative
• objectivity

Noun

1. A material object that physically exists.
2. A goal that is striven for.
• 1913, G. B. Shaw, Pygmalion, His true objective was the provision of a full, accurate, legible script for our noble but ill-dressed language; but he was led past that by his contempt for the popular Pitman system of Shorthand, which he called the Pitfall system.
• 2012, Christine Wilding, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Chapter 2Objectives are the stepping stones which guide you to achieving your goals. They must be verifiable in some way, whether thatʼs statistically – ‘the more I do this, the better I get at itʼ – or by some other achievable concept such as getting the job or relationship that you want. Itʼs crucial that your objectives lead you logically towards your goal and are quantifiable.
3. (grammar) The objective case; a noun or pronoun in that case.
4. The lens or lenses of a camera, microscope, or other optical device closest to the object being examined.

Synonyms