1
Core quality
Based on observable facts and not unduly influenced by personal feelings, preferences, or bias.
Example
The researchers used an objective measure of response time.
objective
/əbˈdʒektɪv/ · ub-JEK-tivadjective
Based on observable facts and not unduly influenced by personal feelings, preferences, or bias.
Use objective to express this relationship precisely: based on observable facts and not unduly influenced by personal feelings, preferences, or bias.
What objective Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
No historical account is perfectly objective.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
Clear criteria make the assessment more objective.
Use objective Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The researchers used an objective measure of response time.
No historical account is perfectly objective.
Clear criteria make the assessment more objective.
Precision Matters
Objective overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
objective
vs.Means based on observable facts and not unduly influenced by personal feelings, preferences, or bias.
subjective
Means influenced by personal feelings, tastes, experiences, or opinions rather than wholly objective evidence.
objective
vs.Means based on observable facts and not unduly influenced by personal feelings, preferences, or bias.
appraise
Means assess the value, quality, condition, or significance of something.
objective
vs.Means based on observable facts and not unduly influenced by personal feelings, preferences, or bias.
scrutiny
Means close, careful, and often critical examination.
objective
vs.Means based on observable facts and not unduly influenced by personal feelings, preferences, or bias.
at face value
Means according only to the apparent or literal meaning, without deeper examination.
Test objective in Context
The rubric relies on observable standards rather than individual taste.
1
To reduce personal bias, the judges used an ___ scoring rubric with measurable criteria.