objective

Based on facts that can be checked, rather than personal feelings or opinions.

• We need objective evidence.
• The test provides an objective measure of reading ability.
• These conclusions are based on objective data.

Similar words: factual, unbiased

Opposites: subjective

Common phrases: objective evidence, objective measure, objective assessment

Judging something fairly using facts, without letting personal feelings affect your opinion.

• Try to remain objective.
• An objective reviewer should consider all the evidence.
• Can you be objective about your own performance?

How to use it: be objective about something (It is hard to be objective about your own work.)

Similar words: impartial, unbiased, fair

Opposites: biased, subjective

Common phrases: remain objective, objective observer, be objective about, objective judgement

Existing in the real world, independently of what anyone thinks or feels about it.

• The philosopher believed in objective reality.
• They questioned whether beauty has an objective existence.
• This theory separates personal experience from the objective world.

Similar words: real, external

Opposites: subjective

Common phrases: objective reality, objective existence, objective world

Something you want to achieve through your actions.

• Our objective is to help children read.
• The team achieved all its objectives.
• What is the main objective of this project?

How to use it: the objective is to do something (Our objective is to reduce waiting times.)

Similar words: goal, aim, target

Common phrases: main objective, achieve an objective, set an objective, clear objective

A place that someone, especially a military force, is trying to reach or capture.

• The bridge was our objective.
• The troops reached their objective before dawn.
• Each unit had a different objective to capture.

Similar words: target, destination

Common phrases: reach the objective, capture an objective, military objective

The lens or group of lenses closest to what you are looking at through a microscope or camera.

• Clean the objective carefully.
• This microscope has three different objectives.
• She changed the objective to examine the sample more closely.

Similar words: objective lens

Common phrases: microscope objective, objective lens, high-power objective