objective English · revision 5698

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1620|origins=la-med objectivus}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /əbˈdʒek.tɪv/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It was formed in English from [[object]] and [[-ive]], on the pattern of [[la-med|objectīvus]] (used by Duns Scotus),^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002) from [[m|la|objectum|t=object]].^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988) MWU derives it from Italian obiettivo, from the same Medieval Latin word.^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==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.^(OED 1989)^(Barnhart 1988) This older sense, the reverse of the modern one, was the only one until the mid-17th century.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Existing outside the mind, real, opposed to subjective in the modern sense, is from 1647.^(OED 1989)^(Barnhart 1988) It became common only in the late 18th century, boosted by translations from German.^(Etymonline) 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.^(OED 1989)^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline) Medical symptoms observed by the doctor are objective from 1877.^(OED 1989) The noun meant something objective to the mind from 1738;^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline) the lens nearest the object in a microscope or telescope, earlier the object glass, is a later use.^(Barnhart 1988) A goal or aim is from 1881, from the military ''objective point'' (1852 in Etymonline, 1864 in Barnhart), probably reinforced by French objectif.^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988) ''Objectivity'' is from 1803.^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1620 – relating to an object (philosophy).^(OED 1989)

+ * 1647 – real, existing outside the mind.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1738 – the noun.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1838 – unbiased.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1864 – ''objective point'' (military).^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1881 – a goal.^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Not influenced by personal feelings or [[opinion|alt=opinions]]; fair and [[impartial]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Existing independently of the mind; real.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Based on facts that can be observed.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(grammar)'' Of the case of a [[pronoun]] used as an object, such as ''me'' or ''them''.^(AHD)

+

+ ===Noun===

+ # An aim or [[goal]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # The [[lens]] in a microscope or telescope nearest the object.^(AHD)^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[objectively]]

+ * [[objectiveness]]

+ * [[objectivity]]

+ * [[Objectivism]]

+ * [[objectivize]]

+ * [[unobjective]]

+ * [[nonobjective]]

+ * [[objective correlative]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[object]]

+ * [[subjective]]

+ * [[eject]]

+ * [[project]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}