Objectivity

ˌɒb.dʒɪkˈtɪv.ɪ.ti

nounmedium📊CommonConcept
1 meaning2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

1

The quality of being based on facts and not influenced by personal feelings, interpretations, or prejudice.

nounneutralmedium
Concept

The quality of being objective.

The journalist's commitment to objectivity ensured a balanced report.

💡 Simply: Objectivity means looking at something without letting your personal opinions or feelings get in the way. Imagine you're judging a contest; you try to be objective so everyone gets a fair score, no matter what you personally like.

👶 For kids: Being objective means looking at something like a robot – just the facts, no feelings!

More Examples

2

The historian sought to maintain objectivity in their analysis of the events.

3

In scientific studies, objectivity is paramount to ensure reliable results.

How It's Used

Journalism

"Journalists strive for objectivity in their reporting."

Science

"Scientific research demands objectivity in data collection and analysis."

Law

"The judge's objectivity is crucial for a fair trial."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

lack of objectivity

The absence of a fair or unbiased perspective.

"His lack of objectivity in the situation made it difficult to assess the true facts."

a matter of objectivity

Something that is fair and based on facts and not feelings.

"The matter of objectivity in the evaluation of the project was paramount."

From Latin *objectivus* (objective) + -ity (suffix denoting a state or quality). The word developed in the context of philosophical and scientific discourse, emphasizing detachment from personal feelings and opinions.

The term gained prominence in philosophical discourse during the Enlightenment and has been a central concept in scientific and journalistic practice since the 19th century.

Memory tip

Think of an OBJECTIVE lens on a camera; it focuses on the real subject, not your feelings.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"objective, pertaining to the object"

lack of objectivitystrive for objectivitymaintain objectivityensure objectivity

Common misspellings

objectivetyobjectivitiyobjectivityy

Usage

20%Spoken
80%Written