Objective Meaning
Objective Definition & Usage
Describing something that is impartial, not influenced by personal feelings or opinions, and based on observable facts.
Examples
- "The scientist presented an objective analysis of the data, without allowing personal bias to influence her conclusions."
- "It is important for a judge to remain objective when making decisions in court."
- "We need objective evidence to support your claims in the investigation."
- "His argument was based on objective facts, not emotional appeals."
- "The report was written in an objective tone, presenting only the facts."
A goal, target, or aim that someone is striving to achieve.
Examples
- "The objective of the meeting is to discuss the new marketing strategy."
- "His main objective is to increase sales by 20% within the next quarter."
- "Our objectives for this year include improving customer satisfaction and reducing costs."
- "The company's objective is to become the market leader in its sector."
- "Achieving this objective will require cooperation from all departments."
In a military or strategic context, an objective refers to a specific target, position, or goal that is intended to be achieved during a mission or operation.
Examples
- "The army's objective was to capture the enemy's base by the end of the week."
- "The objective of the operation was to secure the border before reinforcements arrived."
- "They succeeded in accomplishing their primary objective but had to abandon their secondary goals."
- "The general set clear objectives for the battalion to follow during the assault."
- "The team's objective was to infiltrate the area undetected."
Cultural Context
The word 'objective' originates from the Latin word 'objectus', meaning 'something thrown in front of'. It evolved in English to describe things that are observable and independent of personal feelings. In modern English, the word has a wide range of uses, from describing impartial perspectives in professional settings to referring to specific goals in various contexts.
The Objective of the Expedition
Story
The Objective of the Expedition
The expedition was supposed to be a routine survey of the southern mountain range. The team, led by Dr. Elena Hartley, was tasked with mapping new terrain and collecting samples for a scientific report. However, as the days passed, the group's objective shifted from mere data collection to survival. A sudden storm had trapped them in a remote area, forcing the team to focus on getting back to safety. The original objective seemed insignificant now. Yet, in the midst of this crisis, Elena remained objective. She ignored the growing tension and kept her focus on practical solutions, organizing the group with precision. In a meeting inside the camp, she told her team, 'Our immediate objective is to reach the clearing by morning, so we can signal for help. We can't afford to waste time or resources.' While some of the team members were panicked and emotional, Elena's objective stance kept them calm. As the storm raged on, the team worked together with a shared sense of purpose, determined to reach their goal. The storm eventually subsided, and the team made it to the clearing just in time. Their mission had been a success, not in the way they had originally planned, but they had achieved the objective of returning safely. Elena's ability to stay objective in such dire circumstances had ensured their survival. The scientists, despite the unusual outcome, returned with valuable data from their unexpected detour—data that could change the course of future expeditions. In the end, Elena learned that being objective wasn't just about ignoring personal feelings or biases; it was about focusing on the goal, even when everything around you threatened to derail it.
