Wordiyoobject
Definitions
A physical thing that can be seen or touched.
物体；实物
A goal or purpose.
目标；目的
The word or phrase acted upon by a verb or preposition (grammar).
宾语（语法）
To express opposition or disagreement.
反对；异议
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedob- (against, in the way) + ject (throw) = 'thrown in the way.' An object is something thrown before your senses — you encounter it, perceive it, deal with it. To object is to throw an argument against someone's position.
Why It Means This
The noun stresses the first syllable (OB-ject), the verb stresses the second (ob-JECT). As a noun, think of something placed in your path — a thing you encounter. The leap to 'goal' makes sense too: an objective is what's placed before you to aim at. The verb meaning 'to protest' keeps the physical image — you throw resistance in the way of a proposal. In court, 'Objection!' is literally hurling a challenge at the opposing side.
Usage Guide
- Physical thing (neutral): a foreign object in the eye — any tangible item
- Goal (formal): the object of the exercise — what you're trying to achieve
- Grammar (technical): direct object, indirect object — the receiver of the action
- Oppose (formal): I object to this proposal — express disagreement
- Stress shift: OB-ject (noun: a thing) vs ob-JECT (verb: to protest). This pattern is shared with SUB-ject/sub-JECT and PRO-ject/pro-JECT.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Several members objected to the proposed changes.
- 2.
The object of this exercise is to improve your vocabulary.
- 3.
A small metal object was found at the crime scene.
- 4.
In the sentence 'She kicked the ball,' 'the ball' is the object.
Easily Confused
object vs subject — In grammar, the subject does the action, the object receives it. As verbs, to object is to oppose, while to subject is to impose something on someone. Their etymological images are opposites: object = thrown against, subject = thrown under.