object
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.
Root ject still carries 54 more wordsWhy 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.