noun

objective

/əbˈdʒɛktɪv/ · say it: uhb·JEK·tiv

not influenced by personal feelings

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (noun) the goal or purpose that you are trying to achieve

2. (adjective) based on facts rather than personal feelings or opinions; not influenced by emotion

Examples

1. Our main objective is to increase sales by 20% this year.
2. A scientist must try to be objective when conducting research.

How to use objective

As a noun, objective refers to a specific goal or target that one intends to reach, often used in formal or professional contexts. As an adjective, it describes something based on observable facts rather than personal interpretation; this meaning is frequently used in scientific, legal, and analytical contexts. The adjective is key in contrasting factual assessment with subjective opinion.

Common phrases

achieve an objective
main objective
primary objective
objective evidence
objective assessment
remain objective

Synonyms

goal · aim · target · purpose · endpoint

Opposites

subjective · biased · prejudiced

Word family

objectively (adverb) · objectivity (noun) · objectiveness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use objective as a noun when intending the meaning of subjectivity or personal opinion, inverting the semantic relationship; for example, saying 'that is just my objective' when they mean 'that is just my subjective view.'

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