Object
/ˈɒb.dʒɪkt/
Definitions
4 meaningsA material thing that can be seen and touched.
/ˈɒb.dʒɪkt/
A physical thing that can be seen or touched.
The museum displayed various historical objects.
💡 Simply: An object is like a thing you can see or hold, like a toy, a chair, or a book. Anything that has a physical presence.
👶 For kids: A thing you can see or touch, like a toy or a ball!
More Examples
The child was fascinated by the shiny object.
She carefully placed the fragile object on the table.
How It's Used
"He picked up the object and examined it closely."
"The telescope allows us to view distant celestial objects."
A thing that one's efforts or actions are intended to achieve.
/ˈɒb.dʒɪkt/
The goal or purpose of an action.
The object of their research was to find a cure for the disease.
💡 Simply: The object of something is what you're trying to do or achieve. Like the object of the game is to win!
👶 For kids: What you are trying to get or do, like the object of the game is to win!
More Examples
His primary object was to gain the support of the community.
The object of the exercise is to improve your coordination.
How It's Used
"The main object of the meeting was to finalize the budget."
"His object in life was to become a doctor."
To express opposition or disapproval.
/əbˈdʒekt/
To express disapproval or disagreement.
The protestors objected to the new law.
💡 Simply: To object is like saying 'I don't agree' or 'I don't like this!' You're showing you don't support something.
👶 For kids: To say you don't like something or disagree with it.
More Examples
I object to the way you are treating your brother.
The senator objected to the proposed bill.
How It's Used
"The lawyer objected to the evidence presented by the prosecution."
"Several audience members objected to the speaker's statements."
To hold someone or something as an object of one's affection. (very rare)
/əbˈdʒekt/
To feel affection towards someone or something
She finds it easy to object to her mother
💡 Simply: To hold someone or something as the focus of attention, or your affection
👶 For kids: To hold someone as the focus of affection. Not used for kids.
More Examples
He found himself object to the strange painting
How It's Used
"She finds it easy to object to her mother"
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
object lesson
A practical example or warning, intended to be a lesson.
"The accident served as an object lesson about the dangers of drunk driving."
objectionable object
Something that is found to be offensive or unacceptable.
"The protestors considered the statue to be an objectionable object."
From Latin *objectum* ('thing thrown before, obstacle'), from *ob-* ('in front of') + *jacere* ('to throw'). Initially used to describe something placed before the mind or senses, then developed into a physical thing.
Historically, 'object' as a verb meaning 'to present or offer' was used, but is now archaic. The noun form has consistently referred to a material thing or goal.
Memory tip
Think of an object as anything you can 'observe' with your senses.
Word Origin
"thrown before"