/ əbˈdʒektɪv; NAmE / noun , adjective
■ noun
1.
something that you are trying to achieve
SYN goal :
the main / primary / principal objective
to meet / achieve your objectives
You must set realistic aims and objectives for yourself.
The main objective of this meeting is to give more information on our plans.
➡ note at target
2.
(also obˌjective ˈlens ) ( technical ) the lens in a telescope or microscope that is nearest to the object being looked at
—picture at microscope
■ adjective
1.
not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; considering only facts
SYN unbiased :
an objective analysis / assessment / report
objective criteria
I find it difficult to be objective where he's concerned.
OPP subjective
2.
( philosophy ) existing outside the mind; based on facts that can be proved :
objective reality
OPP subjective
3.
[ only before noun ] ( grammar ) the objective case is the one which is used for the object of a sentence
► ob·ject·ive·ly adverb :
Looked at objectively, the situation is not too bad.
Can these effects be objectively measured?
► ob·ject·iv·ity / ˌɒbdʒekˈtɪvəti; NAmE ˌɑːb-/ noun [ U ]:
There was a lack of objectivity in the way the candidates were judged.
scientific objectivity
OPP subjectivity
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: from medieval Latin objectivus , from objectum thing presented to the mind, neuter past participle (used as a noun) of Latin obicere , from ob- in the way of + jacere to throw.