objective

objective [əb jek′tiv, äbjek′tiv]

adj.

[ML objectivus]

1. of or having to do with a known or perceived object as distinguished from something existing only in the mind of the subject, or person thinking

2. being, or regarded as being, independent of the mind; real; actual

3. determined by and emphasizing the features and characteristics of the object, or thing dealt with, rather than the thoughts and feelings of the artist, writer, or speaker [an objective painting or description]

4. without bias or prejudice; detached

5. being the aim or goal [an objective point ]

☆ 6. designating a kind of test, as a multiple-choice or true-false test, that minimizes subjective factors in answering and grading

7. Gram. designating or of the case of an object of a transitive verb or preposition

8. Med. designating or of a symptom or condition perceptible to others besides the patient

n.

1. anything external to or independent of the mind; something objective; reality

2. something aimed at or striven for

3. Gram.

a) the objective case

b) a word in this case

4. Optics the lens or lenses nearest to the object observed, as in a microscope or telescope, that serve to focus light to form the image of the object: see MICROSCOPE

SYN.- FAIR¹, INTENTION

objectively

adv.

objectiveness

n.