objective

Pronunciation

• IPA: /əbˈdʒek.tɪv/^[1]

Etymology

It was formed in English from object and -ive, on the pattern of Medieval Latin objectīvus (used by Duns Scotus),^[2][3][4] from objectum (“object”).^[3][2] MWU derives it from Italian obiettivo, from the same Medieval Latin word.^[5]

Earliest recorded meaning

In philosophy, pertaining to or considered in relation to its object, the thing as perceived or thought: 1620 in the OED and Barnhart.^[6][2] This older sense, the reverse of the modern one, was the only one until the mid-17th century.^[3]

Semantic evolution

Existing outside the mind, real, opposed to subjective in the modern sense, is from 1647.^[6][2] It became common only in the late 18th century, boosted by translations from German.^[3] Of persons, writings and art, dealing with outward things rather than one's feelings, unbiased, is from 1838 in the OED, 1855 in Barnhart, influenced by German objektiv.^[6][2][3] Medical symptoms observed by the doctor are objective from 1877.^[6] The noun meant something objective to the mind from 1738;^[2][3] the lens nearest the object in a microscope or telescope, earlier the object glass, is a later use.^[2] A goal or aim is from 1881, from the military objective point (1852 in Etymonline, 1864 in Barnhart), probably reinforced by French objectif.^[3][2] Objectivity is from 1803.^[2]

Timeline

• 1620 – relating to an object (philosophy).^[6]
• 1647 – real, existing outside the mind.^[6]
• 1738 – the noun.^[2]
• 1838 – unbiased.^[6]
• 1864 – objective point (military).^[2]
• 1881 – a goal.^[3][2]

Modern meaning

Adjective

1. Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; fair and impartial.
2. Existing independently of the mind; real.
3. Based on facts that can be observed.
4. (grammar) Of the case of a pronoun used as an object, such as me or them.

Noun

1. An aim or goal.
2. The lens in a microscope or telescope nearest the object.

Word family

• objectively
• objectiveness
• objectivity
• Objectivism
• objectivize
• unobjective
• nonobjective
• objective correlative

Related words

• object
• subjective
• eject
• project

References

1. ^ Jones, Daniel (2011), Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary, 18th ed., ed. Peter Roach, Jane Setter and John Esling, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Barnhart, Robert K. (1988), The Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology
3. ^ a b c d e f g h Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
4. ^ Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles (2002), 5th ed., ed. William R. Trumble and Angus Stevenson, Oxford: Oxford University Press
5. ^ Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
6. ^ a b c d e f g Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press