objective

Definitions

ob- (against, before) + ject (throw) + -ive (adjective) = 'relating to what is thrown before you.' An objective fact is one that exists outside your mind — thrown before all observers equally. An objective (noun) is a goal placed before you to aim at.

Why It Means This

Objective has split into two distinct lives. As an adjective, it means unbiased — perceiving what's actually 'thrown before' you, not colored by feeling. As a noun, it's a target placed before you. The two meanings share the same root image: something external, out there, independent of the observer. The adjective is the philosophical opposite of subjective (thrown under → personal, internal).

Common Collocations

• 1.objective analysis客观分析
• 2.key objective关键目标
• 3.strategic objective战略目标
• 4.objective evidence客观证据
• 5.objective view客观看法

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Scientists must remain objective when analyzing data.

• 2.

  Our main objective is to increase customer satisfaction.

• 3.

  It's hard to be objective about your own work.

Easily Confused

objective vs goal — Often interchangeable, but objective is more formal and specific (military objective, business objective), while goal is broader and more casual (life goals, fitness goals). Objectives are typically measurable; goals can be aspirational.